The Rushing Torrent of God

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" –Jn. 7:37-38

The purpose of the Feast of Booths (aka, Sukkoth or Feast of Tabernacles) was to celebrate the corn, grape, and olive harvest. Food and drink offerings occurred often throughout this agricultural festival. The feast proper lasted for 7 days, with an 8th day of "solemn rest" (Lev. 23:39). A water-pouring ceremony took place in the morning of each of the seven days. The priests would fill a golden pitcher of water at the pool of Siloam. Then, the high priest would lead a processional back to the temple, where he would offer the water to God, pouring it out before Him.

On the last day of the feast Jesus capitalized on the visual demonstration. He likened the water to His Spirit and the pitcher to anyone who believes in Him (Jn. 7:39). Only, Jesus amplified the picture by referring to rivers of water. In other words, it's not a trickle but a rushing torrent of God inside the believer. So, when people believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes and dwells inside them, giving them powerful resources for living life and glorifying God.

Furthermore, the direction of the flow is outward. God energizes believers in the deepest part of their being, invigorating them with forgiveness, comfort, grace, joy, and love. Then, God flows through the changed believers to treat others the same way He has treated us. But, how do we activate the flow of this living water? The one word answer is faith. When people believe Christ and what He taught and stood for, the flowing begins.

May we have the faith that activates the Spirit's flowing through us. May God energize us within our innermost being to love Him and bless others with this rushing torrent of forgiveness, comfort, grace, joy, and love. May the flowing begin.