Promises

"John 7:14-44

Who makes this promise?

The people were amazed by Jesus’ teaching. He had never even been to theological college! (v.15). He received his teaching from God (v.16). And he says anyone who ‘chooses to do the will of God’ (v.17) will recognise this.

Jesus calls for a response. Some thought: ‘Surely this man is the Prophet’ (v.40). However, as C.S. Lewis pointed out, Jesus did not leave that option open. There are really only three options: that someone who said the sort of things Jesus said would either be insane or ‘the Devil of Hell’. Or the only third possibility is that ‘this man was, and is, the Son of God’. We see this demonstrated in today’s reading:

- Some thought him ‘the Devil of Hell’: ‘You aredemon-possessed’ (v.20)

- Some thought him insane: ‘He is ... raving mad’ (10:19)

- But others recognised, ‘He is the Christ’(7:41).

To whom is the promise made?

Jesus said, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink’ (v.37). It is made to every human being. It applies to all who have never experienced the Holy Spirit. But it also applies to those who feel dissatisfied spiritually. Do you feel like a failure in your prayer life? Do you sometimes feel frustrated at your level of holiness? Do you long for a closer relationship with God? If you do, you are spiritually ‘thirsty’ and the promise applies to you.

What is the promise?

Jesus says, ‘Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flowing from within’ (v.38). The Feast of Tabernacles was anticipating the river that would flow out of the temple in Jerusalem as prophesied in Ezekiel 47 (which was read and enacted at the feast). Jesus tells them that this has been fulfilled, not in a place but in a Person.

The river flows out of the heart of Jesus (out of his ‘koilia’ – the pit of his stomach or his innermost being) and in a derivative way out of every Christian (John 7:38).

The river flows into us and out of us. The river will flow into the little ‘Dead Seas’ of our hearts and out from our ‘innermost being’. Superficially life may not be easy, but deep down the Holy Spirit constantly flows like a ‘river of living water’.

This river does not flow once in a while. It flows continuously. It is not supposed to be blocked up. It should be constantly bubbling up and flowing out of us.

As Father Raniero Cantalamessa put it, ‘A Christian in whom the Holy Spirit dwells is not exempt from having to experience struggle, temptations, disorderly desires, rebellious feelings … [the difference is that all these things come] upon him against his will.’ They are on the surface. Yet there is a ‘peace in the depth of their hearts. That is like a deep-ocean current always flowing steadily regardless of the wind and the waves on the surface.’

How do we receive the promise?

Jesus says let them ‘come to me and drink’ (v.37). It is a promise for ‘whoever believes in me’ (vv.38–39). It can flow from you as you come to him and drink today.

Lord, I come to you today. Fill me again today with your Holy Spirit, with streams of living water to bring life to everyone I encounter."

1. Amen, fill me, Lord, to bring life to everyone I encounter. Thank You for this living water. Thank You for living within me.

2. It is not over until it is over, Lord, but thank You for Your provision. Thank You for a calm heart. Thank You for having interested viewers.

3. Thank You for the experience of a different system, different culture.