A Heart That Overflows

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water"

John 7:38 NKJV

The Feast of Tabernacles was one of the three pilgrimage festivals during which the Jews were required to travel to the Sanctuary in Jerusalem. Also known as the “Feast of Booths,” it lasted a week and was characterized by the construction of booths with a roof of fairly sparse foliage, so that there would be more shade than light, yet the stars could still be seen through it. On the last day, there was the water ceremony, during which a vessel was filled at the Pool of Siloam and carried into the temple, accompanied by the sound of trumpets. Upon reaching the altar, the water was poured out amid shouts and expressions of joy. Jesus speaks the words of our verse with all of this clearly in mind. The Gospel writer does not hesitate to help us understand what the Lord meant: “He said this about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive” (v. 39). We could say that rivers of living water flow from the heart of those who have the Spirit. In the same way, we can be like water: the still, stagnant water of a swamp, or the fresh, clear, and calm water of a mountain stream—full of inner life and capable of nourishing what grows along its banks.

If we could grasp this potential, much would take on new meaning, and our approaches to relationships would be more thoughtful and conscientious. Yes, I dare to speak to you of the freshness and vitality of water by comparing it to the sensitivity of spirit that every disciple and believer should have developed—distinguishing it from the exaggerated emotionality that is quite something else entirely. I shudder, alas, at the thought that there is a widespread tendency toward insensitivity, especially when one has suffered some setback or had to contend with hypocrisy or hidden material interests. Let’s be honest: if we deprive ourselves of sensitivity, what do we become—or what are we? A world without sensitivity would be utterly opaque, gray as the London sky, silent and devoid of harmony, odorless and incapable of attracting anyone. We would all be cogs in a merry-go-round chasing after vain and temporary needs fueled by calculation, convenience, or self-interest. While in society sensitivity is viewed as a quality out of step with the times—mistaken for weakness and fragility—in the church it is a precious gem, water that refreshes the thirsty soul and brings coolness to the desert of many hearts. I would dare to call it the heartbeat of love. Even if these are just words, they will be seasoned with salt, for “the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11).

Unfortunately, we must acknowledge that it is often lacking, thus causing no small number of problems. While knowledge can be sought and expanded, and emotions can be controlled and managed, a sensitive soul is a manifestation of the Spirit’s work—and only in this case can we speak of Sensitivity with a capital “S.” The kind that draws you close to those who are suffering, that helps you welcome and include others without ever rejecting them. The kind that enables you to always put yourself in another’s shoes, teaches you to recognize vulnerabilities until you can heal them, and fills you with wonder and emotion every time you meet eyes glistening with tears or are overwhelmed by an embrace. Although it will be sad and even painful, a sensitive heart will not give up on love, just like the father in Luke’s parable of the Prodigal Son. A beating heart is a sensitive heart. Unlike Jewish rituals, the believer will not find comfort in empty ceremonies, but in a “river” that flows from within, whose waters will bring great joy to both themselves and others. Jesus declared: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” The Spirit works within us as we reach out to others in need. And if the Spirit moves within me, I will do as Jesus did: I will seek out the lost sheep, I will tend to the wounded one—even knowing that someone will betray me, others will offend me, or lie about me. May God help us.

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Weekly Bible Reading Plan #35

August 24, Psalms 116–118; 1 Corinthians 7:1–19

August 25, Psalms 119:1–88; 1 Corinthians 7:20–40

August 26, Psalms 119:89–176; 1 Corinthians 8

August 27, Psalms 120–122; 1 Corinthians 9

August 28, Psalms 123–125; 1 Corinthians 10:1–18

August 29, Psalms 126–128; 1 Corinthians 10:19–33

August 30, Psalms 129–131; 1 Corinthians 11:1–16