An Empty Juice Box
Bible in a Year: Joel 1-3; Revelation 5
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. John 7:38
Today's Scripture: John 7:37-39
Insight
Jesus’ words in John 7:37-39 were delivered during Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles). This feast commemorated the seasons of wandering in the wilderness following Israel’s exodus from Egypt and was celebrated in part by living in temporary shelters during the feast, as their ancient ancestors would’ve done. The Bible Knowledge Commentary notes that practices for this festival included “a solemn procession each day from the temple to the Gihon Spring. A priest filled a gold pitcher with water while the choir sang Isaiah 12:3. Then they returned to the altar and poured out the water. This ritual reminded them of the water from the rock during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 20:8-11; Psalm 78:15-16).” The water ritual would’ve been given new clarity by Christ’s promise of “rivers of living water” (John 7:38), which refresh us when we’re weary and exhausted as those waters refreshed the children of Israel so long ago.
When I led a ministry for moms of preschoolers, we hunted for an image to describe the unending demands that mothers experience. Changing diapers. Wiping noses. Picking up toys. It turns out the image was right in front of us: a disposable juice box collapsed in on itself. Moms can feel like empty juice boxes. That ministry served moms by leading them to the Source of living water that can fill them to the full—Jesus.
In John 7, Jesus went to the Festival of Tabernacles (v. 10), commemorating God’s provision during the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings. This festival included a water-pouring rite symbolizing the fruitfulness that only moisture produces and foreshadowed the spiritual rain the Messiah would bring. Jesus fulfills what the ancient festival anticipated. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (vv. 37-38).
At times, we can feel like empty containers. Weary from caregiving. Worn from working. Exhausted by everyday responsibilities. The unending demands draw us dry! But when we live in relationship with God, He provides springs of living water within our hearts to refresh and refuel us no matter how many cares and concerns try to drain us.
Reflect & Pray
What tasks deplete and drain you? How can you take a break from your daily tasks to experience God’s filling Spirit within you?
Dear God, thank You for dwelling in me by Your Spirit. May I continually draw from the living springs You provide.