A Floodtide of Blessing
John 7:38,39 If anyone believes in me, rivers of living water will flow out from their heart. That is what the Scriptures say.” Jesus was talking about the Spirit. The Spirit had not yet been given to people, because Jesus had not yet been raised to glory. But later, those who believed in Jesus would receive the Spirit.
Have you ever been so full of joy – the sort that remains with you, even in times of trouble – to the point where you can’t contain it? Perhaps you’re thinking … joy in times of trouble? Really? Stick with me.
I know it’s a huge contradiction, but the bitter-sweet experience of joy amidst trouble is truly one of the most exquisite things we can ever taste. Because during those times of trouble, we’re meant to be experiencing doom and gloom, right? Common sense tells us that. And yet, it doesn’t have to be like that.
During a great celebration in Jerusalem, Jesus stood up and said this to the crowds:
John 7:38,39 If anyone believes in me, rivers of living water will flow out from their heart. That is what the Scriptures say.” Jesus was talking about the Spirit. The Spirit had not yet been given to people, because Jesus had not yet been raised to glory. But later, those who believed in Jesus would receive the Spirit.
No wonder the religious leaders wanted to kill Him – that was pure heresy; He was in effect claiming to be God. But His point is that His very Presence will fill us with a floodtide of blessing. Not merely one river – not just a Jordan or Euphrates, a Nile or an Amazon – but rivers of living water!
The Holy Spirit. God Himself flowing in, as the thirsty come to Jesus to drink; gushing out as we simply can’t contain all that He has for us. Rivers! Pure joy. A floodtide of blessing. Jesus.
That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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