“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”
– John 7:37,38
This is such a profoundly simple yet powerful invitation and promise. And certainly the “anyone who thirsts” becomes “everyone” at some point in his or her life. People can be thirsty because they are seekers who have not yet encountered the love of God. Or people can be thirsty because they are lonely or perhaps caught in the insanity cycle of addiction. Jesus tells us to let such people come to him and drink.
To drink would be to partake of what Jesus has to offer out of the wellspring of his overflowing merciful love. But to drink means something more than just coming to Jesus. In the gospel we read about Bartimaeus who daringly made his way to Jesus. But Jesus would not allow things to end there. Jesus asked Bart, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bart’s thirst to “see” was only satisfied after he not only came to Jesus but also specifically responded to Jesus’ clarifying question.
It seems that many may make their way to Jesus yet never drink in what they specifically thirst for. Perhaps some do not really know what they thirst for. Others may know but not feel worthy to ask for anything. Yet I know there are many who simply think that coming to Jesus is enough without the pursuit of and a focused application of the specific gospel provision that would satisfy their thirst. I see this played out in the context of thirsty people attending church regularly but who never ask for prayer or respond to ministry invitations where God often moves with supernatural power. These are the people most vulnerable to discouragement and despair. My encouragement to such people is, “Please receive a drink from the cup that Jesus has put within your reach!”
Jesus promises streams of living water to those who would indeed come to him and drink. A provision of “flowing streams” is no doubt more than enough to satisfy one’s thirst. Jesus is and offers more than enough! May it never be said of us that we have not because we asked not.
What do you have a thirst for? What might it mean for you to come to Jesus and drink?
Bill Randall Writes 
How interesting you chose that verse for today! Just yesterday I was looking up something for somebody and my eyes were quickly flitting through many pages and verses; however, at that one, they stopped. The desire of my heart is to be one through whom streams of living water flow yet all too often, for one reason or another, that flow gets stopped up. After time with the Lord, though, I am much encouraged today. I’m feeling that wonderful bubbling up! Yes!! Your words bless me. They encourage me to do what is often hard for me, to ask and be specific about it…ask of Jesus….and ask for help and prayer from others. Blessings today!
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It’s amazing what can happen when we set apart a little hurried time to focus on and listen to the Lord. He is so gracious and good. I’m glad you feel his loving presence bubbling up in you again! – Bill
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That is an awesome word Bill! My heart cries, Yes Lord-more of You Lord! The only way to truly be quenched is to take from His cup- Amen.
Your message brings to my mind the beautiful visions that the Lord has given me lately- one thing that seems consistent throughout is, when He shows me the Spirit; it is always flowing like water, sometimes slow and sometimes flooding like a river.
I’m going to soak in that one for a while.
Your message is also quite fitting as we prepare for our 40 Days To Breakthrough. This is where we will see breakthrough. I completely believe that! We want this for our church, family, friends and neighbors in Jesus’ name.
May the Lord continue blessing you and Jill with rest and may He continue to inspire you like this and more! We miss you guys, so much!
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