Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 1Sample

Cisterns and wells are so different. Water has to be pumped into a cistern or collected from outside. It doesn't self-renew, and it can run out. Flowing artesian wells have cool, refreshing water that bubbles up under its own pressure. People who try to be spiritual by themselves differ from those who are filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit's presence and power in our lives makes all the difference in the world. It's like living water in us: renewing, refreshing, empowering, and giving us life.

In this chapter, John records how Jesus witnessed the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles. According to the custom, the High Priest would draw water from the Pool of Siloam with a golden jar, mix it with wine, and then pour it over the altar. People sang with overwhelming joy as the High Priest poured the water on the altar, quoting Psalm 118:25-26 and Isaiah 12:3: “Therefore with joy shall we draw water from the wells of salvation.”

Jesus, knowing that he is the fulfilment of all prophecies, cried out loudly: "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”

The Siloam tunnel is a winding tunnel carved into the rock, leading from the spring of Gihon to the Pool of Siloam. This pool was at the heart of the city.

Jesus uses this image to mirror your innermost being.

When He speaks of waters gushing forth out of your innermost being, he says that you are the city, and the Holy Spirit is like the pool of Siloam.

Ultimately, Jesus did not intend for you to experience His presence in your life like a cistern, where water must be pumped or collected from the outside. He desires for you to experience His never-ending river of life that comes through the Holy Spirit.