Tuesday 21 May 2024
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” (vs 37b-38)
Background
The setting for today’s Bible reading is the Feast of Tabernacles which took place in the autumn. It was linked to the end of the harvest but also linked to remembering God’s provisioning during the Exodus and looking for the messianic future.
One of the ceremonies involved the daily bringing of water in a golden pitcher from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple. It was carried around the altar before being poured out. Scholars differ about the last day: some say there was no water at all, others say there were seven circuits of the altar. The water symbolises God’s Spirit, which would come from the Messiah. Whatever the case, the last day is significant.
It is on this day that Jesus speaks, identifying himself as the Messiah (v. 37b). The implication is that those who cannot find their needs supplied elsewhere can come to him and their thirst will be satisfied. This image of satisfying the thirsty picks up the theme of life-giving water from John 4:14.
In this Pentecost week we should also look to verse 38b. The Spirit is to flow from the believers. This implies that God’s Spirit should flow through the people making a transformation. This can also be found in Zechariah 14:8 which says on that day living waters will flow from Jerusalem.
This continues the theme of the Spirit falling upon God’s people and its result. Firstly, the Spirit is for salvation. Those who believe in Jesus are filled with God’s Spirit. Secondly the Spirit of God is sufficient. There is no longer any need for sacrifices, those who believe are accepted. Thirdly, this is not something to be kept to the believers themselves. The outpouring of the Spirit must result in individuals seeking ways to transform others.
The Greek reads “rivers of water shall flow out of the believer’s belly” not “out of the believer’s heart” as often recorded. It suggests an emotion that is central to who the individual is; another description is ‘visceral’. Believers cannot but want to share the good news of God’s salvation.
To Ponder:
- The Holy Spirit is transforming. Where are you seeing lives being transformed in your community?
- Believers are called to share the good news. In what ways is the Holy Spirit flowing out from you to others?
Prayer
Life-giving Spirit, thank you for transforming lives. Show us the places where you want us to be open to share the good news that others may know the changes you can bring. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Paul Davis
Paul served for 40 years as a Methodist minister, most recently serving as Chair of the Lancashire District. He currently sits on the board of Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes.