THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
JOHN 7:37-39
JOHN 7:37-39 NKJ
37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
The Holy Spirit did not just show up on the day of Pentecost. He was present at creation when He hovered over the face of the waters. He was the power behind the exploits of Old Testament saints such as Gideon, Samson, and David. He was the One who empowered Daniel and Joseph to interpret dreams and have gifted insight. And He was the Spirit that came upon Jesus when He was baptized by John in the Jordan River.
But the Holy Spirit was not for everyone. In the Old Testament, we see only kings, priests, and prophets equipped by the Holy Spirit. For the average Jewish man and woman, the Hoy Spirit was not in their lives even if they were very devout.
No, the mighty Holy Spirit was only available to a limited few until Jesus. In our verses for today, Jesus revealed a truth that was most likely astounding to His followers. Jesus said if anyone thirsts, they could come to Him. Those who choose to believe in Jesus could have rivers of living water flow out of their lives. John then clarifies what these rivers are. They are the Holy Spirit who would soon be available to everyone.
The reason the Holy Spirit had not been given to everyone is that Jesus had not finished His work. When He rose from the dead, the Holy Spirit was no longer limited to dwelling in a man-made temple. Now everyone who believes in Jesus becomes the temple of God, and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our hearts.
APPLICATION:
One of the most unsung heroes of the bible is the third person of the God head, the Holy Spirit.
Instead of us being spooked by Him, we should want to embrace Him and His ministry in our lives. There is so much that He brings to the table, but He will never force Himself on us. What a promise we have been given. What an advantage. What a wonderful gift, rivers of living water in us.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Show me how to better work with Him in my life.