Water is such a valuable commodity and yet is so easily taken for granted. Many in Upper Stratton have in recent weeks had their water turned off because of work that has needed to be done. It suddenly makes you aware just how easily we take it for granted and yet when its not on tap there is that appreciation.

Well in Jesus’ day water was from a well. Jesus, in John 4, is in conversation with a woman who has gone to the well when very few people are about.

Jesus is there and asks her for a drink of water, he in turn offers her living water, John 4.14. That water satisfies not physical but spiritual thirst and brings eternal life. That is some water! Jesus also speaks about this water when he was at the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles or Shelters as it was known.

Going or not going Jesus not going to the Festival v8 and then goes v10. Change of mind? The Father’s purpose (God’s) was the governing factor. He was not going to run his life according to his brothers’ agenda 7.3-4. Remember also John 2, when Jesus turned water into wine. On both occasions it was not the right time John 2.4, 7-6. In saying this he was referring to his glory being seen. Then he does show his glory when 600 litres of water become amazing wine. Here in John 7 he later goes to the Festival and makes a very bold statement concerning living water.

Timing concerning the Festival. The Feast of Tabernacles or Shelters combined a number of themes.

1. A celebration of Israel’s forty years in the wilderness. Water drawing which became part of the ceremony was associated with Moses hit the rock and water came flowing out Ex 17.1-6.

2. The Festival and the outpouring of water was associated with with the outpouring of living water that was to flow from Jerusalem when the Kingdom of God came Isa 12.3, Ezek 47.1-12

3. It was a harvest festival thanking God for the harvest of wine, fruit and olives. Prayers for the sending of rain which was so crucial to the nations livelihood.

4. During this time people would pitch tents on their roofs or around the house or in fields. Lev 23-34-46 said the Festival was to begin on the Sabbath and end on the following Sabbath and took place around September/October.

On 7 days a rite of water drawing took place.

It as incredibly joyful. Priests in procession went to the Pool of Siloam - they filled a golden pitcher carrier with water and brought it back to the Temple.

As they approached the south side of the inner temple, the Shophar trumpet was sounded, three blasts, relating to Isa 12.3 "with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation". The priests processed around the altar watched by the worshippers, the Temple choir sang the Hallel Psalm 113-118. When Ps 118 was reached the opening words "Give thanks to the Lord" every man and boy shook their lulab a branch of willow and myrtylein his right hand and lifted citrus fruit in his left.

Cry give thanks to the Lord said 3 times.

Psalm 118.25 same thing happened at " O Lord save us". Then at the daily offering the wine offering and the water offering was given together.

The selected priest would do this by standing on the altar where there were the two silver bowls, the wine and the water poured into their respective bowls and then poured out as an offering to God. The crowd then called out "lift up your hand" to signify that the rite had been fulfilled..

Now on the seventh day which was perhaps the greatest day the Priest stood up and processed around the altar 7 times not just the once.

The Great day - Jesus may have spoken then the words of John 7.37-38

Or was it on the last day i.e. the Sabbath when there was no water?

If option 1, then, day gives the sense of fulfilment - I am the living water.

If option 2, then day means I am the source of the living water - I am there when the water runs out.

Jesus is the one who can meet our deepest needs. He is the giver of living water. He is the bread of life referred to in John 6 the one who can satisfy hunger and thirst. You can look wherever you will but only Jesus can perfectly fulfil your God given purpose for being.

When the water runs out.

Lord life is a struggle, I can’t hack it any longer, I can’t do what you want me to do. I can’t be the person you want me to be.

Jesus can meet us at our point of crisis. It doesn’t automatically go away but he is there to help us with it.

Let him who is thirsty come to me and drink.

The Promise is for Now - Post Easter Promise

Different responses re possible

i.Enthusiastically respond - please Lord

ii. Half hearted - that would be nice.

iii. Apathetic - so what

iv. Believe that this is for everyone else but not for you.

By taking Jesus at his word - i.e. respond with faith, acknowledging your need, being willing to let Jesus be at the centre of your life.

John 6.47 he who believes has eternal life. The Spirit gives this life and this is Jesus wanting once again to meet with you and to fill your life.