John 7:37-39 WEB
Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! [38] He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.” [39] But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus wasn’t yet glorified.
Jesus invited those listening to him to drink of his spirit. This receiving from Jesus gives us access to the Holy Spirit. Jesus does not tell everyone they can drink from him. Only the thirsty get to drink. What is interesting is that Jesus told them he was going to give the Spirit. What he does not tell the listeners is they will not receive this drink for quite some time.
Jesus is still doing this. He is still speaking the promise as if it had already come to pass. We hear a word and begin waiting for it to come to pass. However, we sometimes must wait for the right people and circumstances. We may have to wait for growth in ourselves. Or we may see no path to accomplishing the Lord’s will. In those times, we trust what he has spoken is forming in our lives.
Because Jesus had not yet returned to the Father, his Spirit was not yet released for all people. How could anyone really be thirsty for Jesus when he is standing directly in their midst? It was after he died, resurrected, showed himself for 40 days, and returned to the Father people could truly thirst for Jesus.
After Jesus went to the Father people could truly thirst for him. That is what happened to the disciples. They longed for Jesus after he left. So, they cried out, they prayed with all their might, and the Holy Spirit came like an eruption from heaven (Acts 2:1-4). The words that Jesus spoke so long ago are now coming to pass. We have the fire of the Holy Spirit resting upon us and our works are to bring Jesus’ glory.
Lord Jesus, please bless me with a fresh anointing of your Holy Spirit. Help me wait with patience while you form blessings and good works in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
Keys of Love 