Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. John 7:38
Our church offices are located on nineteen lush acres that have been inhabited for thousands of years before Christ. Massive, ancient oaks, mountain Laurel, native grasses, and indigenous plants provide the habitat for birds and bugs and other critters. Why has this particular spot drawn creatures great and small and hosted glorious trees and plants for eons?
A walk through the grounds, particularly after a time of heavy rains, reveals the secret. Artesian springs bubble unexpectedly in crannies throughout, and we’re told that geysers spouted up to 20 feet in the days before urbanization. In fact, a small lake several feet deep was a community draw with people coming for picnicking and boating. People are attracted to water. In fact, a community can’t exist without it. And neither can we.
Jesus told the woman at the well that if she drank of the water he gave her, she would never thirst again. Jesus satisfies, and nothing can really quench our thirst other than him. Once we taste living water, we can never be content with anything less. And once we begin abiding in him, we become conduits through which he freely pours water for other thirsty souls.
The water on our office grounds ebbs and flows with the rains just as the outflow in our spiritual lives ebbs and flows depending on our attachment to Jesus. When we allow distractions, self –serving, or sin to clog our lives, the flow of living water is diminished, and others suffer through our neglect. Perhaps we need spiritual housecleaning from time to time so that, as keepers of the spring, others can always be refreshed.
If we actively believe in Jesus Christ—which entails loving, obeying, and trusting him—that living water will flow in and out of us all the time.
Father, help us to mature into our calling to be keepers of the spring. Remove from us anything that blocks the flow of your Spirit and water this thirsty land. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
agodforeveryday 