Living Water From Jesus

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a solemn procession of priests left the Temple to draw water from the Gihon Spring, just outside the Temple Mount. It was the only immediate water supply for the city. This water was carried in a golden water jar back to the Temple and then poured over the altar. It was a symbolic reminder that God provided water out of a rock during the wilderness wanderings (Exodus 17:1-7), and the people would have been eager to see the whole ceremony through. But Jesus stood up and spoke loudly, drawing attention to Himself.
 
He used the occasion to announce Himself to thousands of people as the God who satisfies. The 'living water' He promised was not physical liquid drawn from a well or spring, but would be the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit who would continue to satisfy and energise every believer. It was the same promise Jesus made personally to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:14), and it is a promise which He continues to fulfil.
 
Although many religions encourage more and more pious activity, Jesus asks that people believe in Him as their Saviour and submit to Him as Lord. When they do, God's Holy Spirit is given to authorise them to be God's children and fill them with His powerful presence. That is grace: exchanging our sinfulness for His forgiveness and the indwelling presence of God. Wherever you are today the Holy Spirit is in you, longing to do His Divine work in you and through you - to satisfy you and to reveal the love of God to others. You are not on your own; God lives in you. That is a great reason to praise and to pray, to worship and to work so that His kingdom may grow and the glory will go to Him.