The Waters of Life

Today, I watched my brother take the step of baptism as a testimony of his faith, the public declaration Jesus called all of His followers to make. Baptism was common as a purification rite long before Jesus ordained it for believers, but it took on a special significance as a symbol of participation in His death and resurrection. Water cleanses the body as the blood of Christ cleanses the soul, and above all, water represents life. Our bodies are largely made of water, and without it, we die. A well-watered land is rich and green, but drought will turn it into a barren wasteland. Water is precious, absolutely essential for every aspect of life. And the Living Water, the Lord Himself, must come to make our desert souls flourish and blossom into beauty that is dead without Him. Not only does this means of life benefit us, but it makes us into conduits to channel the blessing of life to others. What a blessing it is indeed to be washed clean and made vessels of Living Water!

"He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said,

out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

John 7:38