WATCHWORD:
On that day life-giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half toward the Dead Sea and half toward the Mediterranean, flowing continuously in both summer and winter. Zechariah 14:8
Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” John 4:10
Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” John 4:26
37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart. 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) John 7:37-39
Meditation:
Living Water
There are many references to “living water’, in both the Old Testament and the New. In the Zechariah 14 prophesy, we have “On that day…”, meaning on the Day the Lord comes. Then we have the inclusiveness of Gentile and Jew, in the reference of the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, meaning all who believe, in all seasons, at all times, encompassed in the prophesy of the Holy Spirit.
The idea of The Word being living water is further expanded in the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman —
Jacob’s Well, Samaria – She paused as she approached the well, thinking, “What is that man doing here? Most unusual, a man alone, what should I do? Maybe he’s a rabbi. A Jew! That’s just great!” After some thought, she resolved to draw her water, then return to town. Did he just speak to me? What was he saying? He is not a Samaritan. He asked for a drink. Do I answer? I can’t just ignore him. I don’t want any trouble.”
She drew water, gave him some, then challenged him, saying, “Why are you asking me, a Samaritan woman, for anything?”
The man smiled and answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who I am that asks you for a drink, you would have asked me and I would give you living water.” (Excerpt from “A Story of Jesus,” an unpublished short story.)
The “woman at the well” is a well-remembered conversation between a Samaritan woman and Jesus at Jacob’s well in Samaria. He is introducing her to God’s plan and, in this short exchange, reveals, for the first time, that he is The Messiah. What he is telling her, and later those residing in the village, represents living water. It is not the words themselves but belief in Jesus that allows our Lord to pour through us what really counts, God’s purpose for our lives…the living water.
Note the parenthetical explanation in John 7:39 that Living Water referred to the Spirit who, would be given to anyone believing in Jesus. Jesus will have completed His ministry before the Day of Pentecost, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, the living water.
What are we to make of this living water? As we believe in Jesus as Lord, and seek to live our lives according Christ’s teaching, how are we applying the living water that flows from the Spirit, within each of us? Is it reflected in our day to day lives? Does it show up in our generosity, our compassion, our love?
For the Samaritan woman, the meeting with Jesus changed her life, and put it on a track to touch others with life and love. We have all had our own personal encounter with Jesus, and it changed us, and that change is still with us. It probably would do us good if, every now and then, we would prayerfully remind ourselves that we are children of the Living God, that His Spirit dwells within us and our lives are His. Amen.
Prayer of Rededication:
Dear Heavenly Father, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, you have changed our lives, giving us purpose grounded in the love of God and the love for our neighbors. With each passing day we are grateful for the gifts that you have given to us, each one has added new ideas and thoughts in our own ministry, the living water, in our own community. Lord give us eyes to see our role in your divine plan. Give us ears to hear the need that may come our way. Refresh our hearts for ministry that aids us in going far beyond our comfort zones. Grant us ministry, Lord , and equip us according to your promise. It’s in Jesus name we offer these prayers. Amen.
