Reflections from October 22, 2010

Jesus is close to beginning His ministry on earth. His brothers suggested that He go to Judea for the Feast of Tabernacles and He exclaimed that it was not yet His time. However, On the last day, probably at a time of Hoshana Rabbah, it is written in John 7:37-38, "Jesus stood and cried out, '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."
It's been said that at the time that Jesus made this declaration, there could have been as many as 2.5 million people in Jerusalem for this feast. There were lots of people there to hear Him make this declaration. Jesus knew that people then were like people before them, and they are really no different than us today. People everywhere thirst after something notable; something important; something to make them believe they are here for a purpose. Sometimes we search our whole life for that something and don't find it. People turn to illicit activities to fill this need, or to work, or to volunteering, and what not. But Jesus knew then and knows now that He is the only source that will bring complete satisfaction to the thirst that mankind has. He is the only one that can pour out the Holy Spirit to quench our thirst.
Do you let Jesus quench your thirst?

Shortly after His declaration as the long-awaited Christ, Jesus went head-to-head with the Pharisees. First they tried to trick Him with a woman that was caught in adultery, and after He got through that, He went on to say as is recorded in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
I remember a time when we were vacationing in Kentucky and were at Mammoth Cave National Park. During a tour inside the cave, there is a point in time when the tour guide shuts down all light inside the cave's room that we're in. I don't think I've experienced that kind of total darkness before as there was not one speck of light to see. Then, the tour guide lit a single match and the entire room was illuminated. We were no longer in darkness! We would have light to walk through the cave.
That's how I envision this verse. Jesus provides light for us to walk through this world so that we can see our way through it. But Jesus provides more light than just a match; He is brightly shining as the glory of God. Jesus will not let us down; all we need to do is follow the Light!

Blessings to all