John 7:37-39 (NRSV)
Read John 7:37-39 on biblegateway.com
Verse 37On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, Verse 38and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" Verse 39Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Devotion
Living near the Pacific Ocean, I see vast amounts of water ebbing and flowing in the daily tides. I picture Moses facing a thirsty crowd in the Sinai. Jesus faced another crowd on the last day of the feast, equally as thirsty as Moses’ crowd, but in a different way. Today’s crowds are also thirsty, trying to quench their thirst through getting ahead, focusing on the material or looking for some cheap spiritual fix. Jesus bids us to come and drink, and to bring others. As the rock that Moses struck brought forth water, so Jesus the Rock brings forth living water, the Holy Spirit. We are called to be a blessing to others, sharing the tide of living water flowing from our lives.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, may we always offer others a cold drink in your name, knowing we offer it to you as well. Amen.