Living Water Jesus promised to give

 

Have you ever tasted dead water? Like boiled water, or stagnant water? They have done a lot of research into what makes water alive, and it is because the water carries minerals and in fact bonds to them, like being in a soluble form, that water is alive and healthy. So I guess you could say Jesus offers us water with the mineral of His righteousness and then only, can it be healthy and living. John 7:2-18, 24, 37, 38

Just two times in Christ’s ministry, He promised living water to people – once to the Samaritan woman individually, and this time when He promised to all who would receive Him by faith, especially His professed people at the Feast of Tabernacles. What did the Feast of Tabernacles symbolize? The home coming of God’s people to heaven in one way, and in another way the Feast of Tabernacles symbolized what we have today – a gathering of God’s people for light and blessing.

The forces of the enemies are strengthening, and as a people we are misrepresented; but shall we not gather our forces together, and come up to the feast of tabernacles? Let us not treat this matter as one of little importance, but let the army of the Lord be on the ground to represent the work and cause of God in Australia. Let no one plead an excuse at such a time. One of the reasons why we have appointed the camp-meeting to be held at Melbourne, is that we desire the people of that vicinity to become acquainted with our doctrines and works. We want them to know what we are, and what we believe. Let every one pray, and make God his trust. Those who are barricaded with prejudice must hear the warning message for this time. We must find our way to the hearts of the people. Therefore come to the camp-meeting, even though you have to make a sacrifice to do so, and the Lord will bless your efforts to honour his cause and advance his work. {BEcho, December 8, 1893 par. 5}

John 4:10 Do you think it strange that the only individual He promised living water to, was a fallen woman? Perhaps we could say that she needed it more than anyone else, for her life had become so empty in seeking for happiness, but not finding it in merely sensual gratification and then Jesus promised living water to everyone who received Him by faith…

Apparently, Jesus really loved that Samaritan woman to promise this wonderful thing to her… the only individual that we know of that heard that message. And there in John 4 we see the process by which He aroused her interest in more than just another theological debate; this is something that we need to study, for it is the very way to lead souls to Him, the way, truth and life of Christ.

How can we tell if we have partaken of that living water? If we have confessed and forsaken all known sin, receiving the living water that only Christ can give, we shall have silence in the soul.

No.1 — We shall have Silence in the soul.
In all who are under the training of God is to be revealed a life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs, or its practices; and everyone needs to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will of God. We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. Ps. 46:10. Here alone can true rest be found. And this is the effectual preparation for all who labor for God. Amid the hurrying throng, and the strain of life’s intense activities, the soul that is thus refreshed will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. The life will breathe out fragrance, and will
reveal a divine power that will reach men’s hearts. {DA 363.3} Did you get that?

Silence in the soul – very important.

No.2 — An attitude of prayer
Psalm 146. A turning of the heart to God, (and probably away from man) in seeking God’s approval and God’s peace.
Remember what Peter said when he was sinking that night out on the Sea of Galilee? Lord, save me, wasn’t that it?

That was his prayer. Why did he sink in the first place? Because of looking back at the boat to see what his friends were thinking – showing off. And what did Jesus answer? Matt. 14:31. {TMK 228.1}

“Wherefore didst thou doubt?” said Christ to the sinking Peter. The same question may be addressed to us… The Lord has pledged Himself to give us strength to enable us to stand. As we search the Scriptures we find ground for confidence, provision for sufficiency. It is our privilege to say boldly, yet humbly, The Lord is my helper, therefore I shall not be moved from my steadfastness. My life is hid with Christ in God. Because He lives, I shall live also.
Let us pledge ourselves before God and the angels of heaven that we will not dishonor God by speaking words of discouragement or unbelief… Close the door to distrust and open the door wide to faith. Invite into the soul temple the heavenly Guest. {TMK 228.2}

You may have your choice as to who shall rule your heart and control your mind. If you choose to open the door to the suggestions of the evil one, your mind will be filled with distrust and rebellious questioning. You may talk out your feelings, but every doubt you utter is a seed that will germinate and bear fruit in another’s life, and it will be impossible to counteract the influence of your words. You may be able to recover from your season of temptation…, but others that have been swayed by your influence may not be able to escape from the unbelief you have suggested. How important it is that we speak to those around us only those things which will give spiritual strength and enlightenment! {TMK 228.3}

No.3 — Faith (Forsaking all I take Him – acronym)
An ever increasing faith. Now by it’s very essence, the concept of living water is in contrast to the dry dead bones of man’s imaginings and doings – Ezek. 37:1-4. God asked the prophet if he thought anything could be done with those bones. What would you answer?

If you have partaken of the living water of Jesus, I think there is only one answer and Ezekiel gives it – thou knowest God – all things are possible with Thee, O God. Don’t ever limit the power of God by looking so much to man, (even your own limitations) that you say He has done this for others, but He won’t or can’t do this for me.

Or even worse, by saying God cannot accomplish whatever He has to accomplish for you to provide healing, help and the power and ability you need to serve Him. In prison? In an unbelieving home? When you have lost your job, lost your health or lost your hope? Yes, especially then we need the living water. Mark 9:23 All things are possible to you if you will only believe. In the context in John 7 we see that Jesus said Whoever believes in Me, out of his belly shall flow living water. What does this mean for us at this late date in the earth’s history? Well, Jesus is coming soon – can’t we see that, in what is happening in the church and the world?

Separation and unity are increasingly being seen in our ranks. And every possible thing in the world being in upheaval. And the very essence of the gospel is change that compels change- now what do I mean by that? Once we repent, that touches other people’s lives to shun those same sins. And Jesus uses our experience to touch other people’s lives – so the gospel is just like a chain, all made up of weak and erring human links, true, but links that have become strong in the love and peace of God.

So instead of looking to man for light, blessing or peace, we look to God – and others are inspired to do the same. This statement of Jesus in John 7 came at a time in the Jewish calendar year and experience that it was essential, for unless they learned to look by faith to what God was doing through His Son, they would end up looking to the temple and it’s emptiness for what it could not give – the living water that could only come from Jesus Christ. The feast of tabernacles was a very special time of thanksgiving for what God had already done for them, because it came at the end of their year, thus it built their faith beautifully – if they saw the true meaning behind it was Christ rewarding the faithful at His second coming. Mark 4:40.

Why are we so weak in faith?… We are so faithless, so unbelieving, that the Lord cannot do for us those things which He longs to do. There are doubts in our minds that are very saddening and very difficult to dispel. {TMK 227.2}

These doubts that bow down the soul we should each one bravely face, and tell the soul that we must conquer them at once. Make no delay, for there can be no peace where faith is lost. We need not express these doubts, for they may cause some poor soul to stumble. But examine them in the light of God’s Word, then talk them over with Jesus with His Word of promise in your hand, and pray for their removal. Tell the Lord, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (Mark 9:24). Let not doubt be placed in a comfortable, easy chair. It is a dangerous guest when it is left to rankle in the mind and counteract faith…

Genuine faith is life, and where there is life there is growth. The life which Jesus imparts cannot but grow more and more abundantly. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power.

No. 4 — The right attitude toward maintaining good works.
Believing that they are necessary to walk in, but seeing that faith is the first step before works.
James 2:26. One of the first things begotten in the heart of those who have received the living water, is the desire to share that living water with others. Do you remember the first thing that the Samaritan woman did, once she talked with Jesus? Went and told others, for the living water had refreshed her, and she wanted it to refresh others.

The famous Christian Pastor, Richard Wurmbrand, who, together with his wife were from a Jewish background tells of meeting a former Nazi guard from Treblinka, who was personally responsible for leading thousands of Jews to their deaths. This man didn’t know that Pastor Wurmbrand was from a Jewish background and bragged of how he had treated so many of the Jews, but he said that he was a Christian. The whole evening, Richard Wurmbrand just listened graciously and showed his guest hospitality. Later in the evening, he said he had a surprise for his guest. He mentioned that his wife, who wasn’t feeling well, would awake to cook something for them, but first he had something to tell his guest. He mentioned that both he and his wife were from a Jewish heritage, and that many of their loved ones died at Treblinka. The former guard spluttered that he had thought them German because Wurmbrand was a good German name. He started to cry when he realized what he had done, and the enormity of his guilt in the eyes of God. He wanted to repent and wanted to know if Richard and his wife could ever forgive him?Pastor Wurmbrand then led that former murderer to the foot of the cross in repentance, and assured him that when he awoke his wife, she would be happy to cook dinner for them. When he awakened his wife, he explained the situation, and his wife gladly and warmly welcomed her brother in Christ.

There is no excuse for sin or for indolence. Jesus has led the way, and He wishes us to follow in His steps. He has suffered, He has sacrificed as none of us can, that He might bring salvation within our reach. We need not be discouraged. Jesus came to our world to bring divine power to man, that through His grace we might be transformed into His likeness. When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man’s best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit.

No. 5 — A just appreciation for all of the good things that God has done for us
Ps. 31:19. The more our faith fastens to Christ in perfect trust, the more peace we shall have. Faith will grow by exercise. God’s rule is, One day at a time. Day by day do the work for each day as if you are conscious that you are working in the sight of the angels, cherubim and seraphim, and God and Christ. (1 Cor. 4:9). Matt. 6:11 We should grow daily in faith in order that we may grow up to the full measure of the spiritual stature in Christ Jesus. We should believe that God will answer our prayers, and not trust to feeling. We should say, My gloomy feelings are no evidence that God has not heard me. I do not want to give up on account of these sad emotions, for “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1). The rainbow of promise encircles the throne of God. I come to the throne, pointing to the sign of God’s faithfulness, and cherish the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. {TMK 230.3}

This is the childlike spirit Jesus declared His disciples must have in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven–trusting as a little child in God their heavenly Father. Then Satan’s temptations are discerned and more easily resisted, for there is in the heart a constant drawing nigh to God. The feeling of self-sufficiency which works the ruin of so many souls does not have an atmosphere in which to flourish. {TMK 231.3}

No. 6 — Turning away from evil speaking, even when we are in negative circumstances.
Ps. 37:3. Putting away all self justification, and all accusation of others.)
“Trust in the Lord.” Each day has its burdens, its cares and perplexities, and when we meet, how ready we are to talk of our difficulties and trials… Some are always fearing and borrowing trouble.

Every day they are surrounded by the tokens of God’s love, every day they are enjoying the bounties of His providence, but they overlook these present blessings… Why should we be ungrateful and distrustful? Jesus is our friend. All heaven is interested in our welfare, and our anxiety and fear grieve the Holy Spirit of God. We should not indulge in a solicitude which only frets and wears us but does not help us to bear trials. No place should be given to that distrust of God which leads us to make a preparation against future want the chief pursuit of life, as though our happiness consisted in these earthly things…

You may be perplexed in business; your prospects may grow darker and darker and you may be threatened with loss. But do not become discouraged; cast your care upon God and remain calm and cheerful.

Begin every day with earnest prayer, not omitting to offer praise and thanksgiving. Ask for wisdom to manage your affairs with discretion and thus prevent loss and disaster. Do all you can on your part to bring about favorable results… When, relying upon your tried Helper, you have done all you can, accept the result cheerfully. It will not always be gain from the worldling’s standpoint, but perhaps success might have been the worst thing for you…

No. 7 – Self –examination on an ongoing basis.
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. Lam. 3:40, 41. I would appeal to the youth to consider their ways, to take time to think, to weigh their actions… Compassed with temptation as you are, nothing will be sufficient as a safeguard against evil except the indwelling of Christ in your hearts through faith in His righteousness. You must practice His virtues, making Him your daily pattern… Good character does not come by chance; it is formed by persevering, untiring effort.

The youth should seek to make all that is possible of themselves, by improving every entrusted talent and capability to the glory of God. The world’s Redeemer says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5). Faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour will give strength and solidity to your character. Those who have faith in Christ will be sober-minded, ever remembering that God’s eye is upon them, that angels of God are watching to see what manner of characters they will develop…

The truth in the heart will surely have a correcting influence on the character. Hold the truth as from God, as a treasure of the highest value, that must not be dimmed or tarnished by evil practices that are completely out of harmony with its holy character. Under the divine influence of truth the mind will be strengthened, the intellect invigorated, and that which is useless will be discarded for that which is pure and beneficial.

We are never alone. We have a Companion whether we choose Him or not. Remember, young men and young women, that wherever you are, whatever you are doing, God is there. To your every word and action you have a witness–the holy, sinhating God. Nothing that is said or done or thought can escape His infinite eye. Your words may not be heard by human ears, but they are heard by the Ruler of the universe. He reads the inward anger of the soul when the will is crossed. He hears the expression of profanity. In the deepest darkness and solitude He is there. No one can deceive God; none can escape from their accountability to Him. {TMK 234.3}

No. 8 — Courage even if others don’t have it or faith
Isa. 65:2. Now rebellious people are usually not too cooperative, especially if any of their sins are pointed out… And it takes courage, as it takes faith to continue to uplift the right even if others are sold to the wrong. I just recently read a book about The story of Pastor Yun, one of the leaders of the House Church movement in China. It took him a lot of courage to stand in the face of persecution in Communist China, and just as much courage to stand in the West against the most common kind of persecution that we face here. Do you know what he says it is?

Emotional and spiritual persecution, because we have to stand against all of the cruel and godless things said in slander and backbiting here in the materialistic, sensualistic West. And quite often it comes from other Christians.

No.9 — Dwelling upon our sinfulness
and God’s willingness to forgive us, and other sinners who turn to Him. The words falling from the lips of Jesus, “Thy sins be forgiven thee,” (Matt. 9:2) are worth everything to us. He saith, I have borne your sins in My own body on Calvary’s cross. He sees your sorrows. His hand is laid upon the head of every contrite soul, and Jesus becomes our Advocate before the Father, and our Saviour. The lowly, contrite heart will make very much of forgiveness and pardon…

(Gal. 6:7, 8). Youth is the sowing time, and the words and deeds of the early life are like seeds that will germinate and produce a harvest after their kind. Then why not sow seeds of kindness, of love, of faith, of patience, of self-denial, and true benevolence, and keep all your passions under control? Such sowing will produce a harvest after its kind. Let every word and deed be a seed that will result in good fruit. {TMK 236.3}

If you seek the help and grace of God, the Holy Spirit will take possession of mind and character and work in you that which you can work out with all safety to yourself, and with all benefit to others… The atmosphere that surrounds your soul will be of a pure, healthful character. {TMK 236.4} The Lord loves the youth. He sees in them great possibilities, and is ready to help them to reach a high standard if they will only realize the need of His help and lay a foundation of character that cannot be moved.

No. 10 — Not retaining any of our former sinful thoughts, habits or practices.
And opening our hands and hearts to receive the blessings that God promises us to overcome these ways of the world. Eph. 4:22-24. Ask the Lord to reveal to you yourself; place your life under His searching eye, and when He lays hold upon your case you will see that you have made grievous mistakes, and what you supposed was of little importance was offensive in the sight of Heaven. You will see that there is a decided need of thorough transformation of character. You will realize that you must put away the evil of your doings, and cooperate with God and heavenly angels who are sent to minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation…

Self must die. Every practice, every habit, that has a harmful tendency, however innocent it may be regarded by the world, must be battled with until overcome, that the human agent may perfect a character after the divine Pattern…

The crooked ways, the perverse doings of those around us, are not to dim the luster of our piety or to lead us to conform our habits to, and assimilate our customs and practices with the world’s. Let the prayer go forth from the lips of those who claim to be the sons and daughters of God, (Ps. 139:23, 24).

The mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for all who love Him will be peopled by those who are free from sin. But sins that are not confessed will never be forgiven; the name of him who thus rejects the grace of God will be blotted out of the book of life. The time is at hand when every secret thing shall be brought into judgment, and then there will be many confessions made that will astonish the world. The secrets of all hearts will be revealed. The confession of sin will be most public. The sad part of it is that confession then made will be too late to benefit the wrongdoer or to save others from deception. It only testifies that his condemnation is just. …You may now close the book of your remembrance in order to escape confessing your sins, but when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, you cannot close them. The recording angel has testified that which is true. All that you have tried to conceal and forget is registered, and will be read to you when it is too late for wrongs to be righted… Unless your sins are canceled, they will testify against you at that day.

No. 11 — A true understanding of the nature of man, and therefore humility before God.
All are liable to err, therefore the Word of God tells us plainly how to correct and heal these mistakes. None can say that he never makes a mistake, that he never sinned at all, but it is important to consider what disposition you make of these wrongs. The apostle Paul made grievous mistakes, all the time thinking that he was doing God service, but when the Spirit of the Lord set the matter before him in its true light, he confessed his wrongdoing, and afterward acknowledged the great mercy of God in forgiving his transgression. You also may have done wrong, thinking you were perfectly right, but when time reveals your error, then it is your duty to humble the heart and confess your sin…

Whatever the character of your sin, confess it. If it is against God only, confess only to Him. If you have wronged or offended others, confess also to them, and the blessing of the Lord will rest upon you. In this way you die to self, and Christ is formed within…

Those who acknowledge reproof and correction as from God, and are thus enabled to see and correct their errors, are learning precious lessons, even from their mistakes. Their apparent defeat is turned into victory. They stand, trusting not to their own strength, but to the strength of God. They have earnestness, zeal, and affection, united with humility and regulated by the precepts of God’s Word.,, They walk not stumblingly, but safely, in a path where the light of heaven shines. This is the true meaning of receiving the living water that Jesus came to give…

Our Redeemer perfectly understood the wants of humanity. He who condescended to take upon Himself man’s nature was acquainted with man’s weakness. Christ lived as our example. He was tempted in all points as we are, that He might know how to succor all who should be tempted. He has trodden the path of life before us and endured the severest tests in our behalf. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…

Christ took upon Himself our infirmities, and in the weakness of humanity He needed to seek strength from His Father. He was often to be found in earnest prayer, in the grove, by the lakeside, and in the mountains. He has enjoined upon us to watch and pray… Without a deep sense of our need of help from God there will be but little earnest, heartfelt prayer for divine aid. Our hearts are deceitful, our foes many and vigilant. If we neglect to fortify a single weak point in our character, Satan will assail us at that point with his temptations. He is constantly plotting the ruin of the soul, and he will take every advantage of our careless security.

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Ps. 19:12.
We need to study the character of the motives that prompt us to action in the light of the law of God, in order that we may be made aware of our deficiencies. But while the human agent may see his sins, he is not to become discouraged, although he finds himself condemned by the precepts of righteousness. He is to see and to realize the sinfulness of sin, to repent, and to have faith in Christ as his personal Saviour. {TMK 242.2}

When Jesus spoke of the living water at the Feast of Tabernacles the vast majority of the Jews were going to harden their hearts and reject the message of His righteousness and join themselves to the traditions and pride of their temple.

I know the danger of those who refuse to walk in the light as God gives it. They bring upon themselves the terrible crisis of being left to follow their own ways, to do after their own judgment. The conscience becomes less and less impressible. The voice of God seems to become more and more distant, and the wrongdoer is left to his own infatuation. In stubbornness he resists every appeal, despises all counsel and advice, and turns from every provision made for his salvation… The Spirit of God no longer exerts a restraining power over him, and the sentence is passed, “He is joined to idols; let him alone.” (see Hosea 4:17)… This is the process through which the soul passes that rejects the working of the Holy Spirit…

No.12 — Uplifting God’s standards of personal and practical piety, in sobriety and candor.
God desires men and women to think soberly and candidly. They are to ascend to a higher and still higher grade, commanding a wider and still wider horizon. Looking unto Jesus, they are to be changed into His image. They are to spend their time in searching for the deep, everlasting truths of heaven. Then there will be nothing frivolous in their religious experience… The living water, which Christ gives, is not like a surface spring, which babbles for a short time, and then dries up. The living water springs up unto everlasting life. {1SM 172.1}

If we would be true reformers, we must show that we have partaken of the living water, by lifting God’s standards higher in our lives, while doing so in a balanced and humble way.

It is never safe for us to feel that we are possessed of virtues, and that we may congratulate ourselves on our excellences of character and our present state of purity and piety. David often triumphed in God, and yet he dwelt much upon his own unworthiness and sinfulness. His conscience was not asleep or dead. “My sin,” he cries, “is ever before me” Ps. 51:3…

As he saw the depths of deceit in his heart he was deeply disgusted with himself, and prayed that God would keep him back by His power from the presumptuous sins, and cleanse him from secret faults. He who drinks of the water of life which Jesus gives, possesses within himself a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Though it shall be cut off from all created springs, it is fed from the hidden fountain. It is a perpetual spring, in immediate communication with the inexhaustible fountain of life.

The Lord is dishonored when any who profess His name have an emptiness. This misrepresents God. Nothing but Christ manifested in spirit and life and character can reveal God to a world that knows Him not. We are not to believe because we feel or see that God hears us. We are to trust to the promise of God. We are to go about our business believing that God will do just what He has said He would do, and that the blessings we have prayed for will come to us when we most need them. Every petition enters into the heart of God when we come believing. We have not faith enough. We should look upon our heavenly Father as more willing to help us than an earthly parent is to help his child. Why not trust Him?

Yes, the living water only comes from Jesus. Not in all of the ways of the world, flesh and devil can true satisfaction or peace be found. Just look at the Samaritan woman to know from her experience that only Christ could give her something that the things and ways of man could not.

Look at the Jews, Jesus own people who could not find in all of the pomp and ceremony of the Temple or their own power, position or pride what only Jesus could give. Phil. 4:7 So seek Him, the way, truth and life, and then no matter what your life position, He will give you the peace that passes human understanding as you receive the living water.

Jerry Eaton, Australia/Canada