streams will flow

Devotions by Jefferson Vann # 2420

John 7:37-39

Joh 7:37 On the most significant last day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, and this is what he said, “If anyone is thirsty, let that person come to me and drink.
Joh 7:38 The one believing in me, like the Scripture has said, streams of living water from inside him will flow.”
Joh 7:39 He said this about the Spirit. His believers were about to receive the Spirit, because the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been made glorious.

streams will flow

I cannot help but link this passage with what John records of Jesus’ discourse with the woman at the well in Samaria (4:13-14). But there is a difference here. The woman was primarily interested in her own salvation. She wanted to drink of the water that would keep her from ever getting thirsty again. But even she could not resist the urge to share Jesus with her village.

Now, Jesus explains through this metaphorical language that such will be the case with all those who are saved by believing in him. They will automatically become the resource leading to the salvation of others. The Holy Spirit will flow from inside them.

Jesus says that anyone who believes will have this Holy Spirit (38). John notes that Pentecost had not yet happened, but Jesus’ assurance is that this flowing Holy Spirit resource is not the result of a second experience or second blessing. If you believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit is inside you, and will flow to others.

LORD, thank you for your Holy Spirit, and the chance to bring others to eternal life.