Rivers of Living Water Will Flow

Jesus came to His own people; His Fathers, family, and friends. The promises of God had been given to them. God the Father had chosen them from among all the nations of the world to be His own special people. Surely, His Son would find a royal welcome here. It did not happen. His own rejected Him. In John 7, we see more division among His listeners, the promise that living water will flow and His Father’s sovereignty.

More Division

There is more division among His listeners. Preconceived ideas about where the Messiah would come from and their own knowledge, did not add up. They looked to their leaders for direction. Who were they saying He was?

Some of the people believed in Him because of the signs He did. All were amazed by His boldness. The people tried to reason the spiritual with the flesh. Still, Jesus spoke to His future death, and the promise that rivers of living water will flow.

Living Water

Isaiah wrote of this great invitation. Here, on the last day of the feast of tabernacles, Jesus cast it out. “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” He then proclaimed; “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” Did not Isaiah’s words resound in their hearts as Jesus cried out?

John clarified for his readers. Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came after Jesus was glorified. Those who believed in Him would receive the Spirit.

God’s Sovereignty

In John 7:25, it was becoming known by some that Jesus was being sought in order to kill Him. They were surprised at His boldness in light of this situation. In verse 30 we are given insight. “Then they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.” In verse 32, officers are sent to take Him. Again in verse 44 some want to take Him. God controlled the scenario. He, in what appeared a hopeless situation, was in charge of the timing.

Jesus despite rejection, misunderstanding, and threats continued His mission. He proclaimed the promises, and obeyed His calling. In John 7, we see more division among His listeners, the promise that rivers of living water will flow and His Father’s sovereignty.