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.” 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. (John 7:37-39)

Rivers Of Living Water

When Peter answered the crowd at Pentecost about what they needed to do to be saved, he also fulfilled a promise made by Jesus during His ministry. During the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus proclaimed a day would come when the believers of Christ would have rivers of living water flowing from their hearts. The Holy Spirit gives a divine commentary on the meaning of what Jesus said by describing the event of the giving of the Holy Spirit to all those who obeyed the word of the Lord. This gift had not happened yet because Jesus had not died and risen to be glorified as Lord and King. Fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus, the first converts to the new covenant put on Christ in the waters of baptism and received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The crowd that gathered to hear Peter and the apostles preach at Pentecost were struck by the conviction they had killed the Anointed of the Lord. Peter explains how Jesus of Nazareth was shown to be the Son of God through miracles, wonders, and signs, and through the prophecies of Joel and David, God had made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ. Convicted of their sin, the people asked what to do. Peter tells them to repent and be baptized and then tells them God promises to give them the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gift is given to all who call upon the name of the Lord, obeying His commands.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of what Jesus said would be given to all those who accept the new covenant through the blood of Christ. Peter reiterated that promise to the Sanhedrin council that arrested the apostles for preaching in the name of Jesus when he said God gave the Holy Spirit to all those who obey the word of the Lord. Paul explained to the Roman church the blessings of not being condemned before God for all who walk in the Holy Spirit. He further explains how to be led by the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the children of God. This shows the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise.

Jesus said His followers would become “rivers of living water.” This would not take place until after His resurrection and return to the Father. At Pentecost, the words of Jesus came to pass. Those who embrace the covenant of Christ through His blood receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to all those who repent and are baptized for the remission of their sins. As people of God, Christians must let the world see and know the power of the water of Life, Jesus Christ. As flowing streams of living water, the Christian is a person who influences the world around them as a river nourishes the lands it touches. The water of life flows from the throne of God in the hearts of the redeemed to let the world see the love and grace of the Father.

Jesus said His followers must be lights in the world and salt that seasons to the glory of God. A Christian is a river of living water that invites the world to come and taste the joy of living water in Jesus Christ. There is no greater joy than the nourishing water coming from the grace and mercy of God. All who obey the word of the Lord are blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Live in such a manner the river of life does not dry up in your heart. Be a fountain of living water.