Living Waters

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
 yes, I will remember your wonders of old. – Psalm 77:11

In the busyness and chaos of this time of the year, do you find it surprisingly easy to forget God’s faithfulness and goodness? I do. As I move from one thing to the next, I can become so wrapped up in the trappings of the holiday that I don’t pause to enjoy the beauty and the magnitude of the hope that this season represents.

The Israelites, too, struggled with amnesia when it came to God’s faithfulness to them. They had to be intentional about remembering how and why He was faithful. So at the end of Nehemiah 8, we find them celebrating the Feast of Booths, during which they built and stayed in temporary lean-tos to remind themselves of the many ways God provided for them while they were in the wilderness, en route to the Promised Land. It was a reminder to trust not in bricks and stone, nor in the new wall that circled Jerusalem, but to trust in God alone for provision and protection.

Just as the Israelites remembered God's faithfulness during the Feast of the Booths, we have an opportunity during this Christmas season to remember God’s faithfulness to us. 

You see, just over 2,000 years ago, the Israelites were again celebrating the Feast of the Booths in Jerusalem. As they had done in Nehemiah’s day, as part of the temple celebration, the priests poured a full pitcher of water into a bowl at the altar to remind themselves of how God had provided water from a rock in the desert when they were desperately thirsty.

But this time, a man named Jesus stood up in the temple courtyard and made a declaration that shifted history. To the temple priests and all who could hear, He said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him (John 7:37-38).”

Just as God had delivered water from a rock to quench the thirst of His people in the desert years earlier, He had again delivered water…but this time, they would never thirst again!!! And neither will we. 

We needn't go through this entire season depleted. Are you thirsty? Are you empty? Are you weary?

Come.

Remember.

Rest.

Drink from His living waters. 

This Sunday morning at 10 we'll remember together at The Bridge. Hope you're able to join us!

Joyfully,
Erika