The term ‘rivers of living water’ was used by Jesus on the last day of the feast of Sukkot (Note: Feast of Tabernacles), which was the greatest day of the festival (see John 7:37-39).
John 7:37-39:
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.
38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’
39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.
38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’
39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
On this day the high priest was accompanied by a multitude of people as He performed the prophetic act of taking water from the pool of Siloam to the temple. By this the people became witnesses to a special outpouring, because the festival of Sukkot is connected to the increase of the glory of God (see 1 Kings 8:2.10-11).
1 Kings 8:2.10-11:
2 All the Israelites came together to King Solomon at the time of the festival (note: Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles)in the month of Ethanim, the seventh month. …
10 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord.
11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple.
2 All the Israelites came together to King Solomon at the time of the festival (note: Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles)in the month of Ethanim, the seventh month. …
10 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord.
11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple.
As Jesus Christ is also called high priest in the order of Melchizedek, His statement in John 7:38 clearly shows us that He is interested in a special outpouring or increase of His Spirit (see Hebrews 5:5-6).
Hebrews 5:5-6:
5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him (see Psalm 2:7), ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’
6 And he says in another place (see Psalm 110:4), ‘You are a priest for ever, in the order of Melchizedek.’
5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him (see Psalm 2:7), ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’
6 And he says in another place (see Psalm 110:4), ‘You are a priest for ever, in the order of Melchizedek.’
The Impact of the Holy Spirit and the Release of God’s Promise
The Holy Spirit is the One who has an impact on our society or environment: The attributes of wind and water play a special role here, as the living water is linked to life and the breath of God as well as His order. Therefore it is no coincidence that the Spirit of God is first mentioned in the Torah in connection with water He was hovering or sitting over (see Genesis 1:1-2).
Genesis 1:1-2:
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
These waters already carried the dimension of heaven and of the seas on the earth within them, which the LORD made visible by establishing the firmament (see Genesis 1:6-10).
Genesis 1:6-10:
6 And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’
7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.
8 God called the vault ‘sky’. And there was evening, and there was morning – the second day.
9 And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.’ And it was so.
10 God called the dry ground ‘land’, and the gathered waters he called ‘seas’. And God saw that it was good. …
6 And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’
7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.
8 God called the vault ‘sky’. And there was evening, and there was morning – the second day.
9 And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.’ And it was so.
10 God called the dry ground ‘land’, and the gathered waters he called ‘seas’. And God saw that it was good. …
It is the Holy Spirit who flows through us into our future, thereby unlocking promises already implemented by God in the ground. This is similar to the river in the region of Eden that separated into four headwaters, bringing forth mineral resources/treasures in their respective regions (see Genesis 2:10-14).
Genesis 2:10-14:
10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.
11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold.
12 (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.)
13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.
14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.
11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold.
12 (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.)
13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.
14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
During the festival of Sukkot (Note: Feast of Tabernacles) every year the high priest performed the above mentioned prophetic act. He took water from the pool of Siloam and carried it up to the temple to pour it out next to the altar.
This symbolizes the petition to God in order to give the former and latter rain on all the land. The latter rain includes the rainfall at the end of the rainy season during the months of March/April, which are vital for the growth of the seeds of the winter crop. However, the former or early rain usually falls between the end of October and the beginning of November, at the start of the rainy season in Israel, which lasts about six months, and which is necessary for new sowing after the dry season of summer.
In this context, this act and the statement of Jesus about the ‘rivers of living water’ reveal that through the Holy Spirit we already carry the outpouring for our region or future within us, so that we are able to unlock the promises of the Heavenly Father.
This unlocking of God’s promises through the living water involves the Holy Spirit moving in the vehicle of prophecy, which is accompanied by prophecy, dreams and visions in peoples’ lives (see Joel 2:28-29).
Joel 2:28-29:
28 ‘And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
28 ‘And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
The Full Measure of the Spirit and the Transformation
It is essential for us that we make the measure set for us by the Holy Spirit full similar to Jesus at the wedding at Cana, where He revealed His glory for the first time and instructed to fill the empty jars to the brim with water. Only after the jars had been filled the transformation from water to wine took place, as well as the movement of the bridegroom (see John 2:1.6-9).
John 2:1.6-9:
1On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, …
6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from eighty to a hundred and twenty litres.
7 Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so,
9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realise where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside …
1On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, …
6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from eighty to a hundred and twenty litres.
7 Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so,
9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realise where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside …
We would like to note here that the act of outpouring during the days of the Feast of Tabernacles was performed daily by the priest, and on the seventh i.e. eighth day, the ‘day of the fullness of the water measure of glory’, Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit.
And at precisely this moment Jesus stood in that place and spoke about the living water, which carries the basic requirement of faith in Him, as is revealed by Him in the Tenakh (Note: God’s Word):
“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.” John 7:37-38
When we seek and find Christ in the Tenakh – this is the Word of God in form of the ‘Old Testament’ – and find Him and believe according to the revelation made, an intensification of the Holy Spirit in our lives will take place. This intense power of the Holy Spirit in us works His way into our future, while interacting with faith in the Word of God.
The LORD desires that we believe in His hidden promises for our future, and in this advance with vision in intimacy with the Holy Spirit in order to take hold of them at the right time.
The Living Water and the Kingdom
In connection with the statement of Jesus about the ‘living water’ we should note that we as God’s people are moving in the kingdom structure with its different levels of the heavens linked to the element of water, while gaining more and more understanding. This becomes apparent in the Hebrew word ‘mamlākāh’ used for the term ‘kingdom’.
This Hebrew word begins with the double Hebrew letter ‘Mem’, which is, among others, connected to ‘water’ as well as carrying the numeric value of ‘40’. The Hebrew word used for ‘water’ in the Word of God is ‘Majim’ and is used solely in the plural. It begins and also ends with the Hebrew letter ‘Mem’. (Note: part excerpt from the Elberfelder Study bible on the word ‘mamlākāh – kingdom’ with word key number 4542)
It is therefore no coincidence that, among other things, the creation account, as already mentioned describes the Spirit of God over the waters and that there is also a sea of glass in front of the throne of God (see Genesis 1:1-2; Revelation 4:6).
Genesis 1:1-2:
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Revelation 4:6:
6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, round the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and behind.
6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, round the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and behind.
Every level of heaven carries a realm of water connected to the instruction or commission to reign. In order to act as sons of God in this government, we have to undergo an important testing phase; this is revealed by the number ‘40’.
During this phase of testing and passing we are prompted and encouraged to seek Christ in the truth of His Word, to find Him and believe according to the revelation made, to experience a new dynamic of the Spirit in our lives that flows out of us as a result and contributes to blessing.
In all things Jesus Christ went before us, and after having been baptized in the Jordan river by John the Baptist, He went full of the Spirit into the desert and was tested over a period of 40 days. During this phase of testing He was repeatedly tempted by the devil, and without once falling into sin He resisted the evil (see Luke 4:1-2a i.c.w. Hebrews 4:15).
Luke 4:1-2a:
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2a where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. …
Hebrews 4:15:
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.
As saints we have to know that the kingdom structure is closely aligned with each one of the twelve tribes of Israel, because God gave them the opportunity to be a kingdom of priests by their obedience.
In this we can see clearly that every tribe of Israel carries a spiritual dimension of heaven within, connected to a realm of ‘water’ including spiritual government, because God is Spirit (see Exodus 19:5-6 i.c.w. John 4:24a).
Exodus 19:5-6:
5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.’
5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.’
John 4:24a:
24a God is spirit, …
24a God is spirit, …
The Living Water and True Fasting
In addition, the activation of the living waters is closely connected to true fasting linked to works of righteousness. This righteousness includes ‘release’ which requires us, among other things, to release people who have done us wrong into the freedom of our forgiveness in Jesus Christ. In the same way, we should also let go or release where we have wronged people consciously or unintentionally.
Moreover, it is indispensable that we recognize the need or indigence in our neighbor in order to release works of justice in the form of mercy (see Isaiah 58:6-12 i.c.w. Galatians 6:8-10).
Isaiah 58:6-12:
6 ‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: here am I. ‘If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
6 ‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: here am I. ‘If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
Galatians 6:8-10:
8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
The streams of the living waters of the Holy Spirit reflect our devotion and holy way of living by acknowledging mercy, grace and truth entrusted to us as carriers of Christ’s anointing for the blessing for our environment, region and the nations.
Blessing here means the will of God, so it involves the interactions of the various gifts of the Holy Spirit and our choices in obedience to the Father. If we allow the Holy Spirit to control, guide and direct us, the intensity of His streams in the form of living water will be able to increase accordingly.
Amen and Amen.
In His Wisdom,
Daniel and Tina Glimm
