“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”
John 7:37
We look to God for a new provision.
By way of simple explanation, The Feast of Booths commemorated the faithfulness of God during the wandering of the Israelites. This was when they were in the wilderness following their exodus from captivity in Egypt. During this difficult journey through dry and barren land, the Israelites spent time living in temporary shelters (booths or tabernacles). These shelters represented the presence of God and his protection and provision for the Israelites as His chosen people.
Jesus is our new provision.
In addition to providing the Israelites with shelter, they were supplied with food and water. Water being the most essential item they needed to effectively sustain life. We read in John chapter 7:37, that it was the final day of the feast, following a week of historical remembrance and celebration. “Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘if anyone thirsts, let him come and drink.” Imagine being in that place and hearing those words. Especially after a week of excitement that left those gathered filled and satisfied.
Jesus understood that the satisfaction of those who had gathered for this event would be limited and lacking in completion. In other words, the temporary quenching of their thirst would need to be met again, and again. He referred to himself as “the bread of life” in John chapter 6. Indicating, therefore, that “whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Jesus inspired the people with the promise of “living water” (v.38) through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
God’s eternal provision for ultimate fulfillment.
No longer would they have to hunger and thirst on a spiritual level. Similarly, no longer would they need to settle for temporary satisfaction. Rather, God’s eternal provision was being offered as a means of lasting celebration. This was through the elimination of hunger and thirst in the spiritual realm. The temporary provision of God experienced by their ancestors years ago has given way to provision enduring forever through Jesus.
Life offers us many opportunities and benefits that are great in the moment. We find later they were never designed to deliver ultimate fulfillment. In other words, these things and experiences provide short-term solutions. They were never intended to be the answers that would endure through the longer journey of life. This is the case across the spectrum of our physical, emotional and spiritual lives.
A new provision that quenches our deepest needs.
The journey through weight loss requires that we look at the things that bring us satisfaction. Therefore, we need to address big picture solutions to the deeper issues of our lives. Perhaps we can relate to the call of Jesus that involves a lasting quenching of our thirst. On the spiritual level, that quenching corresponds with discovering new and eternal life in a relationship with Jesus. On an emotional level, this quenching might involve a relinquishing of the life experiences that drive unhealthy routines and habits. And on a physical level, this could include relinquishing the foods and life routines that have held us captive for much too long. In other words, unhealthy thinking and practices in all of these key areas leave us thirsting for a new provision.
Jesus offered an invitation through saying “if anyone thirst, let him come and drink” (John 7:37). He called people away from their current way of life to a new life under his leadership and Lordship. Jesus called them to a life that would rise above temporary satisfaction. He offered a life that would carry enduring and eternal promise. And although these words of Jesus recorded in John 7 occurred over 2,000 years ago, they are being offered to us today. So, identify your thirst and turn your focus to Jesus. Experience the promise of “living water” that quenches our deepest needs. This is A New Provision through Jesus!
Questions:
Can you look back over your life and recall how God has provided for you?
Have you ever had expectations that didn’t deliver and you experienced a let-down? In other words, could it be you were trusting in things that were never intended to be the answer?
On an emotional level, will you consider relinquishing unhealthy routines and habits? Will you consider letting go on the physical level, release the foods and life patterns that have held you captive for much too long? In the spiritual level, are you ready to discover new and eternal life in a relationship with Jesus?
Most importantly, do you know that you have the power to decide, and follow through for lasting change?
Song: