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Bible Question: How
would you characterize the nature of the "thirst" Jesus
talked about in John 7:37 to a non-Christian who says that he does
not feel thirsty?
Bible Answer: In
a hot desert, a man or a woman does not always
sense that he or she is thirsty. Many people have died because of
their exhaustion without knowing they needed water. The same is true
in spiritual things. Jesus' statement is great. He says, "If
any man is thirsty . . ."
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Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood
and cried out, saying, If any man is thirsty, let him
come to Me and drink. (NASB) John 7:37 |
Spiritually Thirsty? Many are
not willing to admit that they are spiritually thirsty on this planet.
Even though God has given us a sense of Himself in the creation (Rom.
1:20-22) and a sense of His absolute moral standard (Rom. 2:14-15),
some men and women reject the idea of a god because they believe it
is foolishness.
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For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (NASB) 1
Corinthians 1:18 |
Yet, the majority of the world does believe in a god.
Most of us sense a spiritual need. You may want to ask why most of
the world senses a spiritual need for God. Do they have spiritual
heat exhaustion? Do they consider the idea of God to be foolish? The
Bible says this is the common issue. Next comes an unwillingess to
believe and submit to God. This may encourge the people to think spiritually.
Ultimately, only the Holy Spirit can help them sense their thirst.
He uses us to communicate the truth about Jesus Christ to them.
The
Water! What kind of water is Jesus talking about? He is talking
about spiritual water - the Holy Spirit.
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He
who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, "From his innermost
being shall flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke
of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive
(NASB) John 7:38-39 |
The Holy Spirit comes into our lives and satisfies our spiritual thirst
for God. You could suggest that they might want to ask God to help
them sense their spiritual thirst and that He is real. This must happen
before one realizes the need for God's forgiveness and desire Him
to do this. They also need to understand that only Jesus can forgive
their sins. Only Jesus is God. They
must give up on themselves and believe or depend on Him.
Conclusion:Living
spiritual water! It only comes from God. |
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