An Overflow of Life

When Jesus talked with the woman at the well of Samaria, He said, whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never thirst. (Jn. 4:14a NKJV) He was identifying the Spirit of God that flows from Him as a type of spiritual water. Because water is necessary for life, He was identifying Himself as a source of life.

Life-giving water from Jesus doesn’t necessarily satisfy physical thirst—although it might. It’s especially designed to satisfy spiritual thirst and longing. Jesus said, the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. (Jn. 4:14b)

Even after Jesus satisfies an individual’s initial longing for spiritual life, He continues to pour Himself and His life into those who drink from Him. Yielded people—individuals who are willing to be empty, receptive vessels—experience an overflow of His living water, His abundant life, His Holy Spirit. Describing the person who receives, Jesus said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (Jn. 7:38b NKJV)

Originally published September 18, 1987.