Posted on November 30, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” — John 7:37-38 (NKJV)
It was Sabbath. The last day of the Feast of Tabernacles. The break of day woulda started with priests proceeding from Temple, making their way to the pool of Siloam to fill a golden pitcher of its water, and then they woulda made their way back to the Temple. On the southside of the inner court, as they approached the Watergate a shophar would have sounded 3 times expressing the kinda joy that is found in Isaiah 12:3, “Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.”
The priests woulda walked around the altar, with the golden pitcher fulla drawn water, ready to pour, men and boys woulda shook their lulabs, the Temple choir woulda sang a fine selection from the Hallel (Psalm 113-18), and as the opening words to Psalm 118 were reached the people woulda called out…. “Anyone who is thirsty may come to Me! Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink!” Wha? That ain’t how it goes. Oh, wait, there’s that “Messiah” again.” Could someone go down there and tell Him to knock it off? We’re trying to do the daily sacrifice up in here. Geez…
Alrighty, maybe I’m embellishing some stuff here but if you read John 7:37-38 you will see where Jesus, at the right moment, shouts out to the crowd that was there that day, who He is. So, what was the right moment all about? Well, before I rudely interrupted myself with my silliness I probably woulda went to say something about all the people giving a shout of “Give thanks to the Lord” which woulda signified a thunderclap from heaven and then the crowd woulda cried out to the priest to, “Lift up your hand” to concluded the drink offering. Then as that happened the true invitation for salvation woulda come from the lips of the Messiah, Himself.
“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, The fountain of living waters, To hew for themselves cisterns, Broken cisterns, That can hold no water.”” — Jeremiah 2:13
There ain’t no doubting that this verse from Jeremiah is runnin’ through the mind of Jesus. If it wasn’t He certainly wouldn’t be at the Temple for such a moment as this. Centuries had passed since they came back from The Exile and yet God’s Chosen still didn’t get it. Jesus knows they’re just going through the motions at Temple, offering up “paid-for” sacrifices, then going out to lunch afterwards to only go back into the daily grind of crying over Roman rule and gigging each other over the jots and tittles of what “did God really say”. Kinda like we still do to this day, and yet becoming broken cisterns unable to contain the living water of God.
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.” — Isaiah 55:1
But this doesn’t stop Jesus from making the announcement that He’s got something to offer that will satisfy your thirst. Why? Because the mission is reconciliation through His salvation, it always has been. All He is offering us is what He is also telling us to offer to others… a glass of water. But just not any sorta water, it’s not that bottled stuff straight from Jacob’s Well, oh no, this is a serious spiritual drink of water. Cool enough to refresh, yet hot enough to bring comfort and its freely given. All that is asked for in return is your belief in Him and your obedience to His commandments to love God and to love others. So, how thirsty are we today for Jesus?
Maybe the bigger question is are we really thirsting for salvation through Jesus and not simply a “Get Out Of Jail” free card to carry with us to heaven? Hmm… Sometimes I wonder if that description applies to me as well, ya know, too afraid to go to hell for what I rightly deserve to go there for but really a used-up wineskin, with wood, hay and straw, when it comes to getting into heaven with a simple case of fire insurance. Thirsty, just not thirsty enough.
So, how thirsty are you for the peace, protection and provision that can only come from the One who created it? All ya gotta do is confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, and I mean really believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and you’ll be saved from whatever it is that holds you as its captive. Ain’t it funny that glass of water could be the very thing that not only quenches your thirst but will set you free from your sin and bring you into right standing with the God of the Universe. Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a child of El Elyon, a son, husband, a father, has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net.
Think About This: “He who has not seen the joy of the water drawing has not seen joy in his whole lifetime.” — Mishnah Sukkah 5:1
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
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Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
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Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
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Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
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They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
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Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
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It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!
Geoffrey Brewster
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You can see GOD work in and throughAll that go there.
Sharon Bielski
1702502928
Went today early for Girl talk, it was great 👍
Pat Jacoby
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This is a wonderful place for family vacations, retreats, and conferences. They share a solid biblical view.
Wilma Hernandez
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Wonderful trip to Sight and Sound.
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 419 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
1709498094
Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
Pianista Benjamín Arias
1708802888
Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
1707934719
Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
1706837733
They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
1705193514
Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
1704151396
It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!
Geoffrey Brewster
1702920475
You can see GOD work in and throughAll that go there.
Sharon Bielski
1702502928
Went today early for Girl talk, it was great 👍
Pat Jacoby
1701871657
This is a wonderful place for family vacations, retreats, and conferences. They share a solid biblical view.