Jesus as the Source of Living Water

In the Bible, rivers play an important symbolic role. The Jordan River, mentioned many times in Scripture, flows south to the Sea of Galilee and from there on to the Dead Sea near Jericho. It was the Jordan River that the Jews crossed to reach the Promised Land. This crossing ended years of wandering in the desert. Symbolically, the Jordan River takes us, as followers of Christ, from the years we may have spent wandering in our lives, lost and confused without God, to the salvation and new life that Jesus offers us. It symbolizes a transition, "once I was lost but now, I am found", as the great hymn Amazing Grace reminds us.

Naaman and Baptism: Cleansing through Water

The Jordan River also plays a role in the story of Naaman, who was required to go there to cleanse himself of leprosy. For us the waters of baptism are a symbolic cleansing of sin—a rising from death to life. In the New Testament, the Jordan River is where the baptism of Jesus takes place. It was the beginning of a new chapter in His life because His ministry began at this point. In His baptism we see God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, descending on Jesus like a dove.

Jesus as the Source of Living Water

Beyond the Jordan River’s symbolic meaning in baptism, Jesus takes this imagery further. In John 4: 7-26, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well that He has "living water" to give her. In verse 14, He says:

"but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

God's Provision: A Life Without Thirst

In John 6:35, Jesus tells the disciples that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst again. Jesus is our source of living water! In the same way that God provided for His children wandering in the desert, He provides for us. In the desert, the Jews were miraculously provided manna from Heaven and water flowing from a rock. His chosen people did not hunger or thirst, nor do we. Later in John 7:37-38, Jesus tells the disciples:

“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.”

The Promise of the Holy Spirit and Living Water

This was a promise to believers of the gift of the Holy Spirit that had not yet come. This water of life was not just for us but would flow from us as a blessing to others. These waters offer an answer for the spiritual thirst that every man has. They offer us cleansing and a constant source of refreshment to our soul. These waters sustain us and give us true life—life everlasting. Revelation gives us a final vision of a river flowing from the throne of God.

The River of Life in Revelation

In Revelation 21:6, God says that He will freely give to anyone who is thirsty from the fountain of the water of life. In the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 22:1, we learn about a crystal clear river that flows from the throne of God and from the Lamb. This river can be understood symbolically as a symbol of life giving purity and perfection.

The Invitation to Drink Freely

In Revelation 22:17 we read, the Holy Spirit and the bride (the church) encourage "whoever desires" to freely drink from the water of life. This is the final invitation sent to the world to claim the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers to all. Are you looking for more in life than you could possibly imagine? Are you sick of the sin that has overwhelmed your life and made you feel that there is no hope? We agree with Revelation 22:17 and say, Come! Come to these waters of life because there is a vast supply.

The Need for Desire to Drink from the Living Water

This invitation to drink from the waters of life is extended to all, but Revelation 22:17 also reminds us that there must be a 'desire' to drink. We often realize that something is missing in our lives, but too often instead of drinking from the source that offers life, we try to find what's missing in things of this world: success, money, sex, drugs, just to name a few. We chase a dream, an illusion, that never gives any real, sustainable joy. Is there any living water in your cup or are you drinking something foul and fleeting?

Life-Giving Water Throughout Scripture

Throughout the Bible, we see this life-giving water in many forms. As Psalm 36:8 describes so beautifully, God causes us to drink of the river of His pleasures; in Psalm 46:4, the Psalmist describes a river who makes glad the City of God; and in Ezekiel 47, the great prophet has a vision of water flowing from the threshold of the temple bringing life wherever it goes. This water brings all of the blessings that God would have us receive. Ultimately, it brings the gift of eternal life with Him.

The Call to Drink from Living Water

What a sad thing to realize that some of us choose not to drink from that living water. Just as Jesus describes in Matthew 23:37 when He says that He would have gathered you as a hen gathers her chicks, but you wouldn't come. We have to be willing to submit to Him. He doesn't force us to drink, but He does plead with us.

Christ's Simple Request: Trust in Him

What is Christ asking? Very simply, "trust my poor, sinful self wholly and confidently and constantly and obediently to Him" (MacLaren's Exposition). We don't have to do anything to accept His offer, but wholly trust in Jesus. It is He who made the sacrifice for us, He who offered everything on the cross, and He who calls us to Himself. What is your answer?

Please enjoy, "There is a River" by the Gaither Vocal Band, here.