Drink and Live

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7: 37-39 ESV)

O the vast and present love of Jesus, too much and wonderful for description, will take an eternity for us to fully enjoy. The cheerfully, self-giving, overflow of God’s love from the Father through the Son on the cross, springs up in believing hearts in newness of life. Love that bids us come and drink deeply, without payment, to satisfy our aching hearts and weary souls. How can we know the joy this love brings? How does his love outshine other loves? It is a joy that no sorrows can outrun. Joy that inflames our hearts and affections for the risen Son, stirred by the Holy Spirit poured out in our hearts. 

Whatever our soul’s need, through the various trials, only Jesus truly quenches the deepest thirst of our heart. The Son who fully loved us, drinks the cup of God’s wrath for us and instead gives us living water to drink and be satisfied in him. While we were enemies of God, he sacrificially gave himself to us by pouring himself out on the cross to save us and bring us into loving fellowship with him. 

We believers, drink in Christ and receive the Spirit, and we in turn overflow with love to those around us. Yes, believers bring abundance of life and love to the world around them like an overflowing fountain. Giving out, not grabbing and holding. This is revival! God’s love flowing like a river, through the Son to his bride, overflowing to the world to reflect God’s glory. Joy rushing upon souls believing, filled with the Spirit and praise.

Now to Christ who fully loved us

And who freed us from our sin

Be all glory and dominion

Everlasting praise to Him

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, may I know more of your goodness and overflowing love in my heart today. To glimpse your beauty, greatness, fullness and behold your loveliness. That my heart will be continually won for you and that I may grow deeper in love for you over loves. Help me to love others like you love me, self-giving and sacrificial. May your love overflow in my heart so I can be gracious and overflowing with love to my neighbour. Amen.

Joel Morris, www.uniontheology.org