IF YOU ARE THIRSTY - Gary Wilkerson

Early in His ministry, Jesus announced this about Himself: “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds” (John 7:37, NLT, my emphasis). Jesus didn’t just issue a statement — He shouted. And He waited until the biggest day of the festival to stand up and make His announcement: “[He] shouted to the crowds, ‘Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, “Rivers of living water will flow from his heart”’” (7:37-38).

This was much more than a theological statement; it was an act of compassion. Dead religion had beaten down God’s people. It should have refreshed them, but it left them with no life whatsoever. Now Jesus announced, “I am your cup of cold water, the refreshing spring that never stops flowing. You can drink from Me to find your life renewed continually.”

There are no qualifications needed to drink from this amazing wellspring. Christ assures us, “Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink!” (7:38).

When Jesus says that “rivers of living water will flow from his heart,” He is showing us what our lives will look like with a simple touch from Him. This is the touch that refreshes like nothing else, renewing with power from heaven the most stunted, despairing, dreary soul. His Spirit so fills us that we overflow with abundant life, grace, mercy and love.

Yes, my friend, His flow of life transforms everything!