LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Water of God
No one knows the true value of water until thirst has made his soul ache. Israel in the desert suffered thirst like this. Then God causes water to flow out of the rock. Behold a true spectacle in the middle of the desert: from a rock, apparently the same as any other, flow rivers of water, abundant rivers, capable of quenching a multitude of millions of people. Paul tells us that this Rock was Christ (1 Cor. 10:4).
Christ is the Rock from which living waters flow. At Jacob's well, He gave the Samaritan woman to drink, and the water He gave her became a fountain springing up to eternal life (John 4:14). Wherever He went, He gave people to drink from that water. It is the same today. Christ has given us the Holy Spirit, and He has not given it by measure, so that we may enjoy it in abundance.
On that last great feast day in Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus lifted up His voice and said: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He that believeth on me... out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water". And John adds: "This he said of the Spirit, which they that believed on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet come, because Jesus was not yet glorified" (John 7:37-39). These rivers were poured out at Pentecost and are still flowing in those who believe in the Son of God.
Living waters are different from water in a swamp or a well. A stagnant water is lifeless, not clean. Impurities accumulate and a crust of death forms on it and at its bottom. The waters of the Spirit are living, that is to say, flowing, fresh and pure like those of a spring.
The water of the Spirit regenerates. In this passage of John 7 it is clearly stated how this living water is received. It is necessary to be thirsty, then, it is necessary to believe in Jesus. Then, this water is received with such abundance that rivers of living water flow inside the believer.
The water of the Spirit cleanses. The heart of the believer needs permanently the action of the Spirit to be cleansed from the contamination of the earth. It is like the need to wash the feet. It must be done daily, for cleansing and freshness.
The water of the Spirit vivifies. A drought-stricken soil becomes hardened, and the precious fruit cannot sprout in it. But when the rain comes, the ground softens, and becomes hospitable to the seed. It can receive it into its bosom and cause it to sprout with abundant fruit. The heart of man is dry and barren ground when the rivers of the Spirit do not flow through it. And here we refer to the hearts of believers. In its hard folds there is no life. Its hard shell is like a stone on which no plant can sprout.
In Ezekiel 47 there is the allegory of the salubrious waters. It is necessary not only to get wet up to the ankles, or up to the knees or loins. In this abundant river it is necessary to immerse oneself completely and swim, with the blessed blessing that "all who enter this river shall live" (v. 9).