Today I would like to examine a treasure we've discovered in John 7:37-38....
"Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! The Scriptures declare, Rivers of living water will flow from his heart."
Jesus was in Jerusalem at the feast. His brothers had prodded HIM and sought to make HIM go up to make HIMSELF known. He had refused their selfish request and had later went out in God's timing not man's prodding. He made His way directly into the Temple (even though HE knew the leaders wanted to kill HIM) and began to teach publicly. It was during this season that HE spoke the words we are studying today.
Many wonderful truths are revealed here.....First do you like the first word...ANYONE? I do. It shows that the good news HE has to offer is not limited to some special elite group. That anyone who recognizes their need may come. No pre-qualification is necessary. It doesn't say "once you get your life straightened out, get the right clothes, buy the right Bible, meet the Elders standards, but simply ANYONE can come! Praise HIM for HIS unlimited offer to all who have need!!!
Secondly, my mind fixes on the term THIRSTY. Usually, when someone is truly thirsty, they are aware of it. Unless they have gone to the point of dehydration where they are incoherent, but most never make it there before they go and get the much needed liquid. People who recognize they have need and come to Jesus will find Him more than sufficient to meet their need. But they must recognize their need!!! How often do we see people who seek to fill their lives with stuff, relationships, money, position and never get their thirst satisfied? We see it all the time but many times never recognize it. People are born thirsty for God and often times never know it. It is up to us (Christians, the Church) to share what Jesus has promised!
Thirdly, anyone, who recognizes their need and COMES TO HIM will find that HE will meet the deepest need of their heart! I love what God said through Isaiah on this subject...
"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink-even if you have no money! come, take your choice of wine of milk- it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life..." Isaiah 55:1-3
I love this. For more than 3 decades I have seen HIM meet the deepest needs of human hearts and HE is still at work today!!!
Look around you fellow Christians....all around you are needy hearts, thirsty hearts that are spending their money on food that does not satisfy! How long will we be silent? How long will we sit idly by and watch the struggle of others as they grope in life's darkness without a right relationship with Christ? Shame on us (the Church) for not reaching out, and helping others to reach up and connecting to Christ!
All they will ever need will flow from HIS heart the moment they believe. It is up to us to connect these hurting hearts to HIM! Be alert to those around you. You are not in their lives by chance or accident. God has strategically placed you there to point them to HIM! Be a good neighbor to them...BE THERE!!!! when they need HIM!
Like a Good Neighbor, are you there???
You'll be glad you did!
Blessings
Bruce
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