Solomon led a beautiful prayer for rain, or “living water,” when he dedicated the temple. This happened during the season of Sukkot – or Feast of Tabernacles – so that in time it became a part of the festival liturgy. Centuries later, we find Jesus at the Temple during Sukkot. And as the High Priest petitions God for rain (living water), Jesus stands up and essentially screams – I’m here!
Jesus declares that He is that fountain of life we have been hearing about. He says “if anyone is thirsty, let him come to ME”, John 7 (my emphasis).
The passage goes on to explain that this living water is the Spirit of God.
"Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive." John 7:39
Remember our passage last week in Jeremiah where almighty God said that He himself is the spring of living water – and now Jesus declares Himself the fountain of living water. Surely they would have made the connection of what Jesus is asserting.
Earlier in John's narrative, Jesus had a conversation with a woman drawing well water. He gently counsels her on who He is,
“you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10
Hmmm… He continues...
“Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
Are you in the desert? Are your cisterns that you’ve been trying to fill cracked?
Jesus wants to quench our soul’s thirst. Ask Him, drink it in – and let the Spirit fill you with life.
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