I cannot begin to explain how significant I feel it is that we, the body of Christ, understand how the River Flows, and that the River of Life must flow if it is to bring life anywhere. I spent years believing that the gifts of the Spirit were all for the church and that evangelism was someone else's gift; I couldn’t have been more wrong. Evangelism is my gift and responsibility too. It is because the River of Living Water flows that I can be bold to proclaim Christ wherever I go. I do not need to already know you to tell you if I let the River of Life flow.
W- John 7:37-39 NKJV
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
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O- observation
What occurs in John 7 is a very public address of things to come and who Jesus was and is. On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus proclaims the Living Waters that are to come. The Feast of Tabernacles was a thanksgiving feast celebrated at the end of September beginning of October every year by the nation of Israel. This was a specific and special time designated to give thanks- commemorate the divine guidance of God during the years they wandered in the desert. My Bible has notes concerning this celebration that include the idea that the people of Israel would dwell in tents during this time. They are celebrating the guidance of God while Jesus proclaims the outpouring of the One who will be our Guide. The other piece that is significant in this chapter is the location of our Living Water, the heart!
R- reflection
Out of the heart will flow Rivers of Living Water. We, the temple or dwelling place of God, will have the Rivers of Living Water flow out of our hearts. The significance and emphasis is tremendous. These are the things we have received: a River of Living water that brings life to everything that it flows to. Unlike the people that heard Jesus that day at the temple we don’t have to wait. All we have to do is believe. The location of the heart is of extreme importance. I cannot say this enough or over emphasize it. Love must move me to share Jesus. Out of my heart flows this River of Living Water that brings life wherever it flows. We tend too often to think that “church” is the place where we flow with the Holy Spirit. We talk about wanting to see Him move, but this move is reserved to a place and time. The move of the Holy Spirit has its context defined in church. We might scare people if we were led by the Holy Spirit in a public space that has not been defined for church.
The River(s) of Living Water must flow wherever it goes. This really does mean that if I go somewhere I bring the River of Living Water wherever I go. My heart must be open and willing to be led to allow others outside the church walls to experience the life-giving waters I have flowing from my heart. I must be open to bring the River that brings Life everywhere I go. I must listen and abide always. The Holy Spirit is our guide placed in our heart to keep us in step with the Father.
I know that I don’t want to keep the River from flowing. I want to abide in my heavenly Father, and I love allowing the Living Water to flow and bring life where there is not abundant life.
May the Love of Jesus capture your heart. He loves you more than you can fathom.
Grace
This is a very good analogy one we always keep in our minds. Thank you.