On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 7:37-39, where we see Jesus stand up and cry out for people to believe in Him to be saved and to receive the power of the Holy Spirit (which had yet to come). Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus really wants to save as many as possible - hence we see His plea in v37. That is why He came - to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The promise Jesus makes here is truly astonishing - we will not only not hunger nor will we not thirst again (spiritually) because He is the Bread of Life and the Living Water, we (those that believe) will also - ourselves - have rivers of living water flowing from our hearts. The text lays out that this will be through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts and lives as He makes us more like Him - sanctification. The text also ensures we are aware that chronologically in the Gospel narrative here in John 7, this has yet to happen because Jesus must die on the cross first, the rise from the grave, followed by Pentecost (Acts 2).
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Since the Fall (Genesis 3) we have been separated from God - with Jesus we (believers) are reconciled to God and He is in our hearts - this is how He will never leave or forsake us.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise of having Living Water flow from your heart! Abide in Him to bear fruit (John 15).
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and gives the Holy Spirit - Living Waters that flow from my heart. Thank You Jesus! Incredible! I am not deserving. My sin is great and it continues....daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
