What we allow into our lives is what we dispense to others. What’s in your cistern?
Thirst is powerful. It is a warning of something physical, but the desire to consume water permeates into the emotional and mental realms of a person. In a hot and dry place, panic and hopelessness can overwhelm one who begins to thirst and lacks drinkable water.
Jesus went to a thirsty place, one of the largest festivals of Judaism. Sukkot was the name of the event. It is also called the Feast of Tabernacles or the Festival of Booths. This eight day October event was a celebration of the Harvest and hope for the rains to come. One of three “Pilgrimage Festivals” when devout Jews lived outdoors in booths made of tree branches as a reminder of God’s provision in the desert during the wilderness wanderings.
Each day a priest would take a golden pitcher of water from the Pool of Siloam and walk nearly a half mile back to the Temple to pour the water on the altar. Except on the last day, no water was drawn or poured out. This fact makes Jesus’ invitation even more intriguing. Nothing was left at the festival but to pack up and return home, prayefully hoping the rain would come. This day is known as the “Thirstiest Day of the Year.”
What was this invitation of Christ? “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38)
Jesus was declaring to the people at Sukkot that they had just experienced the best that religion and ritual could provide. Yet, people were leaving thirsty, returning home to empty cisterns (until the rain falls again). He offered a life better than following a religious ceremonies. He offered life in Him, an ever-flowing spring of refreshing water.
Jesus’ invitation today is no less profound. Life in Christ begins with believing. Life in Christ continue each and every day by continuing to believe in Him.
The first signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, weakness, and dizziness. Those who are searching for hope, direction, and strength find spiritual water that is as refreshing as a mountain spring of cool, refreshing water. “Come to me” is a call our Lord and Savior makes to people today.
Questions to Ponder:
1. Which is more important to you religious rituals or an authentic relationship with Christ?
2. When was a moment of your greatest spiritual thirst?
3. Does God have you in a “dry season” or in a place of refreshment?
Prayer Point: Spend some time today giving God thanks for all that he has provided for you this year.
If you missed the first three days’ posts, below are the links:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Link to the Sermon I preached (12/27/15) on this topic.
Shepherding Well 