He Is the Source of All Living Waters

"Christ is not a reservoir but a spring. His life is continual, active and ever passing on with an outflow as necessary as its inflow. If we do not perpetually draw the fresh supply from the living Fountain, we shall either grow stagnant or empty, It is, therefore, not so much a perpetual fullness as a perpetual filling."  - A.B. Simpson, Canadian preacher and theologian (1843-1919)

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 50% to 70% of your body weight. Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly."

Thus, "physical water" is vital to our survival. Without it, we would not last very long. The Bible tells us that there is another type of water that is spiritual nourishment, offered to us for our salvation and restoration through Jesus Christ.

For most of us, we can obtain "physical water" through a variety of sources. But the "water of life" or "living water" through which we receive spiritual nourishment comes to us by only one source, and that is God. There is no other.

And unlike the water we drink, so necessary in this life, the "water of life" offered to us by Jesus Christ has eternal implications. By this I mean our eternal salvation is at stake rather than just our daily survival.

The Bible attests that those who accept this gift of spiritual nourishment will be spared from eternal death. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 points out that the resurrection of Christ supplies the groundwork for the hopes of the believer.

The term "water of life" is seen in pivotal parts throughout Scripture. However, the one that is probably most familiar is the call for "living water" extended by Jesus Christ to those who understand their spiritual lack and desire spiritual fulfillment in John 7:37-38.

Here are some key points to understand about this "living water" or "water of life":

• It is the Holy Spirit (John 7:39).
• Though Jesus gracefully offers it to all, salvation can only be received by those who believe and trust in Him (John 7:38-39);
• The result of which would be a gift of the Holy Spirit (John 7:39); related to "rivers of living waters" (John 7:38).
• The promise of the Spirit is repeated by Jesus to his disciples in John 16:7-15.
• While the Spirit always takes part in salvation (John 3:5-8), the period of its eternal indwelling would have to wait until the ascension of Jesus into heaven (John 7:39).

Obviously we've only touched upon this profound theme, but how does it relate to us? As was mentioned at the outset, our physical lives depend on our ability to acquire water to drink. Without it, we would quickly perish.

Similarly, our spiritual sustenance depends on our acceptance of the invitation to drink the "living water" offered by Jesus Christ, the sole source. This also serves as a constant reminder of our dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Finally, the "water of life" or "living water" represents the offering of salvation, the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal fulfillment that surpasses our physical existence here on earth.

"The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life" (Revelation 22:17).

Scripture: Psalm 42:1; Psalm 63:1; Isaiah 12:3; Amos 5:24; John 4:10

Prayer: "Dear Jesus,  I come before you today, thirsty for your living water. I pray that You will fill me with your Holy Spirit, refresh, strengthen, and empower me to live a life that glorifies you, Amen."

Have a blessed day,

Morgan