Deep Running River

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke of the Spirit… John 7:38-39a

One day a group of missionaries journeyed into northern Chad in order to reach a particular group of people. The trip took them into some of the most arid and intimidating territory that brutal country has. It is said that Land Rovers and Jeeps go to this area to commit suicide. The temperatures routinely reach 120 degrees in the shade (when you can find it), so water was running short and tongues began to thicken. Concern began building in their hearts as to whether or not they would make it.

Suddenly, an oasis was spotted. They gratefully arrived in the shade of date palms and sat listening to the trucks ticking and pinging in the change of temperature. A local group of nomads showed the missionaries where to find water. To reach it, one had to go down deep beneath the surface of the earth by a series of steps carved out of rock. There they found a river in a cavern that was a good 40 degrees cooler than the surface. It was like stepping into air conditioning.

What a difference: above - sun-blasted, dust-covered furnace. Beneath – cool, moist air and life-giving water. This is the kind of picture Jesus offers us in John 7. Life may be bitter and harsh at times. You may suffer persecution for doing what is right. You may suffer the consequences of doing what is wrong. You may suffer the consequences of someone else’s sin! But Jesus offers a source of life that will well up and refresh you from the inside.

The source of this power and capability is the Holy Spirit. We non-charismatic Christians don’t talk a lot about Him. But the Father raised the Son through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11). If He can resurrect Jesus from the dead, what do you think He can do for you? Think about it. Jesus’ cadaver was lying on a stone slab, buried behind a huge stone with a Roman seal and soldiers guarding it. The next thing you know, the soldiers have passed out, the stone is rolled away and Jesus emerges in a glorified body!

Now that very same Spirit is available to those who will submit their lives to the mastery of Jesus the Christ. We can experience peace as the world collapses around our ears; joy when around us is nothing but despair; contentment in a culture that breeds envy. We can trade impotence for power over sin and self. All that is required is to take Jesus at His word and believe in Him – in His lordship, his salvific powers, and His soon return. What are you waiting for?