While writing this message, I had a quick glance at my phone to check the temperature. It read, “19th July, 17:01, 39⁰C”.
Feeling extremely thirsty, as I went to get a drink, I was reminded of what scripture says in John 7:37-39.
It reads, “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”.
On days like this, we are reminded of the importance of keeping hydrated; but what about keeping spiritually hydrated?
When Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink…”. It was believed that on the last day of the feast, the priests would draw water and pour it out, which was symbolic of when Moses drew water from the rock for the thirsty Israelites in the wilderness. As they drank from the rock, their thirst was quenched (temporarily). Jesus cried out in that moment, to call their attention to the fact that the human soul and spirit likewise thirsts for things that only the Spirit of God can quench.
We are told in the passage that, those who believe in Jesus will receive this Spirit that quenches the thirst of the soul. We are however reminded by Paul not to get drunk with wine, but to be filled (continually) with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). This implies that, even Christians can sometimes still thirst, but as we ask and drink of the things of the spirit, we will be filled anew.
If like me, you sense that you are in need of spiritual hydration, then ask in prayer, read the word, catch up with a sermon, join our prayer meeting, come to the place of worship in faith to receive from the Lord.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13
“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you…” Luke 11:9
As you ask and position yourself to receive more of the Spirit, may you be filled anew, and may every thirst be quenched in Jesus’ name.
Blessings,
Chris Eke
