As the Scripture Has Said
Sunday’s Verse:
From John 7:38 ESV
Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’"
When Jesus spoke at the Feast of Booths, the people around Him were eagerly hoping for rain, both for their land and their spirits. But His promise went even further. He didn’t just offer a drink to the thirsty soul. He said that believers themselves would become a source.
On our own, our hearts are like dry, cracked ground. We try to hold on to any comfort we can find. We look inside ourselves for strength, peace, or goodness, but we find nothing.
But Pentecost completely changes the way our hearts work.
Through Holy Baptism and hearing the Word, the Holy Spirit gives you more than just a supply of water. He creates a well that keeps flowing. Martin Luther described this by saying a Christian is not a still pool, but a living fountain. The Greek word Jesus uses for "heart" is koilia, which means the deepest part of a person. From the very center of someone made right by faith, Christ’s life pours out.
Also, Jesus says this happens "as the Scripture has said." The Spirit and the Word always go together. The living water flows through the words of the Bible, bringing Christ’s forgiveness to a thirsty world. This water flows out of you in your daily life—when you forgive a neighbor, show kindness to someone in need, or stand up for the truth. You don’t have to create this flow yourself; you just let the gift you received pour out to others.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
On this Pentecost Sunday, heavenly Father, enliven the hearts of Your people to be Your beacons of hope and light in this darkened and angry world. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash