Bible Society of South Africa

Water welling up – for everyone – 11 August 2022

By Fanie Richter

Itekisi yeBhayibhile

UYOHANE 4

13Waphendula uYesu wathi kuye: “Bonke abasela kula manzi baya kubuya banxanwe. 14Ke yena othe wawasela amanzi endiya kumpha wona mna, soze anxanwe naphakade. Amanzi endiya kumnika wona, aya kuba ngumthombo ompompoza kuye, emnika obona bomi bungenasiphelo.”

UYOHANE 4:13-14XHO96Vula kumfundi weBhayibhile

There is a deeper meaning to Jesus’ words, “[W]hoever drinks of the water.” For this gift that God gives (John 4:10) also bridges the separation of nations and religions. It becomes clear when He says, “You worship what you do not know” (John 4:22), and in verses 34 and 35 – that he was sent to do his Father’s will and complete his work and then also refers to the fields ripe for harvest. When the Samaritans then say in John 4:42, “[W]e know that this man really is the Saviour of the world,” it is confirmed that “this water” is meant not only for the Jews, but also for the Samaritans – for all.

Whoever drinks “this water”, which gives eternal life, will experience it as a perpetual bubbling fountain in his/her spirit (John 4:14), which through the work of the Holy Spirit will also be like streams of living water flowing from within to others. (cf John 7:38-39)

This promise and blessed outcomes of his Spirit were already announced in the Old Testament: “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” (Isaiah 44:3; cf Isaiah 32:15; 58:11-12 and Joel 2:28)

God requires a response from everyone who is spiritually thirsty. (cf Isaiah 55:1) Then he gives back infinitely more, which can flow to all who are willing to drink from “this water”.

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your living water. Please let it flow through and from within me too. Amen.

Bible Society of South Africav.4.26.9
SIFUMANE KU-