“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. He who
believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of
living water.’" (John 7.37-38) The response from those gathered in the Temple
was not surprising. Many said, “Truly this is the Prophet!” (John 7.40)
Unfortunately others were not convinced. Many within the Jewish elite, the
respected leaders of the community, instead of thirsting for God, thirsted
instead for their own power and authority.
“Then the Pharisees answered them, ‘Are you also deceived? Have any of
the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know
the law is accursed.’" (John 7.47-49)
Each of us must determine for ourselves whether we thirst
for God, or whether we seek our own power and authority. If we thirst for God,
only then will our thirst be quenched and we will be satisfied. If we thirst
for power and authority, then anyone and everyone who has either becomes our
enemy, and our thirst will never be satisfied.
The Holy Apostles taught, “There are two ways, one of life
and one of death; but a great difference between the two ways.” (Didache) The
way of death is constantly being thirsty but never having enough water to
drink, while the way of life is nurtured by the Holy Spirit and a river of cool
refreshing water gushes from our heart for all eternity.
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