Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. (John 7:37-38)
Read: John 7:37-41
Several years ago I taught a class in my home on how to prepare and serve a three-course tea. Although the women who attended didn’t know me or each other, our hearts blended while sipping tea. Before the women left, I shared that although tea was physically satisfying, it couldn’t satisfy spiritual thirst. “Only Jesus,” I said, “can give us living water to quench our spiritual thirst.”
In John 7 Jesus offered “living water.” It was the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles. The people had gathered to commemorate God’s faithful provision during the forty years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness while living in tents, eating manna from heaven, and drinking water from the rock. After a week of celebrations, Jesus stood before the crowd and announced: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me” (v. 37). I wonder how many understood his incredible invitation. Did they realize he could satisfy their spiritual thirst? Were they thirsty? Did they come?
Some in the crowd called him a prophet and the Messiah. But others were skeptical and were not ready to believe and find their spiritual thirst quenched.
As we hear Jesus’ invitation, are we spiritually thirsty? Will we drink of the life Jesus offers?
Respond: Lord Jesus, you are the Living Water who quenches spiritual thirst. Today I come longing for your righteousness. Let your living water flow through me.
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
