December 7 - Living Water

December 7 – Living Water (John 7:37)

When we read the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, He introduced Himself as the living water. We find Him reinforcing that image quite a while later. John tells us over and over that the people following Jesus around do not understand metaphorical imagery. It had been a long time since the prophets walked among them, teaching in images that forced them to really listen to the ideas behind the words.

Jesus wants those who come to Him, to understand that He offers more than just the tedium of every day life. He offers more than just being born of a woman. He offers more than the bread that is put on a table for a meal. He offers even more than the manna that was sent down each day to ensure the Israelites were fed. He offers more than water that quenches thirst for a short period of time.

Jesus’ offering of living water to the people around him was about much more than what they could comprehend. It’s more than we can comprehend.

Living water that flows from within. Paul and the other writers of New Testament letters spend a great deal of time teaching us how to live as a Christian in a distinctly unChristian world. Jesus begins this teaching simply by telling us that as we drink from the source (Jesus), this water will well up within us and overflow. The Spirit will not be contained within us and will pour out from us in an unending flow due to the abundance that fills us.