1361. From Whence the Rivers Flow

From Whence the Rivers Flow

"From within Him shall flow rivers of Living Water" (Joh_7:38, A. S. V.).

We know the common interpretation of this passage is, that the rivers flow from him who comes and drinks; that is, from the individual believer. While this interpretation has truth, we believe there is another and a deeper significance.

1. Christ, the source of all rivers. The antecedent of the pronoun "Him," is the Lord Jesus Himself. As the Scripture hath said, "Out of His belly shall flow rivers of Living Water."

Jesus Christ is Himself the source, the fountain-head, from which the rivers flow.

In the Book of Ezekiel, chapter 47, the rivers flow from under the threshold. "Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and behold, the waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward" (Eze_47:1).

In the 22nd chapter of Revelation, the river of Water of Life, proceeded from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

In the 2nd chapter of Acts we read of the Spirit's coming. "There came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." The "river" flowed from the throne where Christ was exalted.

Surely, none of us would think for a moment that the rivers of blessing flow primarily from us, they flow from Christ.

2. The believer, the channel of the overflowing rivers. As we drink from the Living Fountain, we in turn become the channel through which the waters of blessing flow. None of us would care to claim that we are the source of rivers, but we may be channels–the Water of Life will flow through us, just to the extent that we drink of Him.

When did the rivers begin to flow from the throne of God? When Christ had died, had been raised from the dead, and had been seated at the right hand of the Father.

This is the full meaning of Acts 2. "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you; * * Him, being delivered, * * crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up. * * Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear" (Act_2:22-24, Act_2:33).

The river began to flow when the crucified and raised Christ took His seat at the Father's throne.

When does the river begin to flow from the believer? When he is dead, together with Christ; raised together with Him; and made to sit together with Him in the Heavenly places. When the believer can say, "I am crucified with Christ;" "I have risen with Him in newness of life." When Jesus Christ is enthroned in his heart, then, and not until then, will the rivers of blessing freely flow.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR