On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and proclaimed, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” (John 7:37, KJV)

During a significant feast in Israel, Jesus invited the Jews, saying, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” What did He mean, and how does it resonate with us today?

First, consider the surprising context of His words. This wasn’t just any day but the climax of a significant Jewish celebration—the feast of Tabernacles. You’d expect attendees to be contented on the final day of such an event. However, their thirst revealed the limitations of the old covenant. It’s akin to attending a week-long spiritual conference and feeling unfulfilled on the concluding day.

Jesus sought those who were thirsty. Spiritual thirst is a deep-seated need accompanied by a yearning to satisfy it. Just as we naturally crave water to satisfy our thirst, we also have emotional needs, such as yearning for acceptance or love, and even spiritual needs. Above all, our deepest human longing is for a renewed relationship with Father God.

Jesus offers the water that satiates this thirst: the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (John 7:39). He graced us with this living water upon our salvation (1 Cor. 12:13). However, after becoming saved, our desires evolve. We ardently seek to know Him more and grow in our relationship (1 Peter 2:2). Again, Jesus continues to meet this holy yearning in God’s people with the nourishment of His Word and the refreshing of His Spirit, enriching our bond with Him.

If you’re reading this and still struggling with that void inside for God, Jesus beckons you to partake in the water of His Spirit. If you are a believer but feel the hollowness of mere religious routines, He urges you to delve deeper, fostering a closer relationship with Him.

Meditate

Do you yearn for God? Which spiritual desire is most potent within you?

Apply the Word

Is Christ calling you to salvation? Receive His gift today. If you’re already a believer but feel trapped by mere Christian rituals, He encourages cultivating a more profound intimacy with Him—come up hither into higher grounds.

Pray

Thank Jesus for the Water of the Holy Spirit given to us.

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