Devotion • August 28
Today's Scripture
John 7:37–44
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But some asked, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. (NRSV)
Reflection
Back many years ago when I was teaching Sunday school, we had a rotary rock tumbler. If you have never seen one, it’s a device where you put rough rocks and water inside a small drum and then turn it so it tumbles the rocks and smooths them.
Each Sunday the children took turns turning the drum. It took weeks before we had smooth stones. The children learned how we are like rough stones, but the water of our baptism smooths us.
Our scripture today talks about “living water.” I think the water of my baptism is a “living water.” It may not smooth all the rough spots immediately, but with the Spirit, it keeps working my whole life. Thank God for my baptism.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of baptism and the living water that washes me clean. I pray that your Holy Spirit continues to work in me, guiding and shaping my life according to your will. Strengthen my faith and help me to live out your love each day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Written by Linda Gibboney, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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