Rivers of Living Waters John 7: 37-39

John 7:37-39

37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."  39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 
NKJV

This is such an amazing promise to us. I know, us old timers have heard this phrase a million time. we have even sung songs about it a million or more times.

Sit back and take another look!

I cant remember ever hearing this in context.

At one point we are talking about one who is thirsty. Another point in time, we are talking about rivers of living water coming out of a persons own heart!

What is the world happened to that person?

the only thing I see is belief in Jesus. Not holiness, not church attendance, not a bunch of other things. We don't see Bible knowledge here. We don't see tithe paying here. We don't even see repentance here.

Don't get me wrong. All of those are great things. and are needed for a sure foundation in your walk with Jesus.

I am reminded of the scripture
Isa 35:1-2

35 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; 
2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice,
Even with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
The excellence of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
The excellency of our God. 
NKJV

 Just a belief in Jesus can make the desert blossom. It doesn't really say a brand new eco-system, but it is a start of a brand new thing that has life, vibrancy, color, beauty!

Do we believe in Him? Is there a river running out of us? does it bring life to a barren wasteland?

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