Life Through Jesus

John 7:33, Then Jesus said, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me.

John 7:37-39, 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. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 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. Psalm 36:9, For with You [God] is the fountain of life. Revelation 22:17, And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Greetings, My Friend.

Perhaps this Easter weekend will pass you by without notice. Your mind will wander, drift, entertaining at best a token thought of God. Your heart, unaffected by events you attend, stays as it was before joining those celebratory programs that others seem to value. Sunday nears its end, and you discern no appreciable affection for God. Then, maybe, just before the weekend goes, you reflect on one thing memorable which draws you toward God. Do you thirst?

You are not alone regarding disinterest, even if a Christian. Easter, a time of celebration and gratitude, is unfortunately for most just another day. Those with affection for Christ and appreciation for His atoning work typically enjoy praising God with others sharing such conviction. But always? Our hearts at times seem lifeless. Why is it that we feel empty of true and satisfactory praise and gratitude to God? Perhaps from this we recognize our souls’ deep need of replenishment. We thirst.

We as people are thirsty. One’s ultimate thirst is for God. As physical life comes from God, so does spiritual life. Certain people’s thirst seems to grow without solution. Others barely recognize the need. Regardless, the world cannot help. We must pursue Christ, where He is, and life with the Spirit. Jesus bids us “come.” He calls us to drink. He provides what’s satisfying. He gives us Water.

Jesus “goes.” He went to the Father. Intellectually, we confess this. He gave His life for many reasons, and we rightfully praise and thank God. His provision of drink, however, doesn’t come from a mere human cup. The drink He offers is unique. It is the water of life. Once in us it satisfies, changes course and quantity, exceeds the banks of our hearts, then flows marvelously toward some God glorifying work in others. We’ve consumed living water, the Holy Spirit Himself.

There is a place where thirst exists but no water. (Luke 16:19-31) Drink now while water is available, offered, and free.

Yes, we can connect personally to Jesus Christ this Easter, even each day, and draw from Him the freshness of life with God by the word and the Spirit. Thank the Father for the full provision of salvation. Thank the Son for obtaining that provision. Thank the Spirit for bringing fully that provision into our hearts, satisfying our souls, knitting us to God. If you thirst, there is water. There is life. Do you desire to drink?

Carl