Living Water
Notes
Transcript
*** Image: Wind
John 3:8 (NRSV)
The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.
*** NS: Behind it all, an unseen power. Strong, unpredictable.
*** Image: Fire
Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
*** NS: The tongues of fire speaks of fiery speech, powerful words. And the miracle of Pentecost is a miracle of words and speaking and hearing.
*** Image: Today’s text presents the image of a fresh-water spring.
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,
and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ ”
*** NS. Lest we fail to interpret these words correctly, John specifically notes their importance:
Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Jesus has ascended to the Father, but we are not left without God
John 14:18 (NRSV)
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.”
John 14:25–26 (NRSV)
“I have said these things to you while I am still with you.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
The Spirit comes mysteriously, invisibly, and powerfully, refreshing us, teaching us, reminding us
*** Image: Stream. Jesus restores and refreshes us, and not only that, but when we drink from his goodness, we ourselves become fountains of refreshing water, our hearts overflowing with the goodness and generosity of the presence of God himself
We are not alone; the Lord has sent the Spirit to accompany us in this world
Our hearts are refreshed by God’s gift, and that gift wells up within us and flows outward like rivers of living water
There is a supernatural quality to even the most ordinary Christian’s life
*** Image: Spring of water
Come, Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit
and they shall be created,
and you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, who by the light of the Holy Spirit
did instruct the hearts of your faithful,
grant that by the same Holy Spirit
we may be truly wise
and ever enjoy your consolations.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
*** Image: Spring of water