January 18 – The Living Water

“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)

Christ is both the Rock and the Living Water. He embodies these two symbols, rich in meaning, that run throughout the Bible.

Long before Christ’s advent, Moses pointed to Him as the Rock of Israel’s salvation: “Then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation” (Deuteronomy 32:15, KJV). The psalmist sang of Him as “my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14, KJV), “The rock of my strength” (Psalm 62:7, KJV), “The rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2, KJV), “The rock of habitation” (Psalm 71:3, KJV), “The rock of my heart” (Psalm 73:26, KJV), and “The rock of my refuge” (Psalm 94:22, KJV). David also described His grace as peaceful waters, “He leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2, KJV), in green pastures where the Good Shepherd guides His flock.

Another psalm declares, “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life” (Psalm 36:8-9, KJV). The Proverbs declare: “The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook” (Proverbs 18:4, KJV). For Jeremiah, Christ is “the fountain of living waters” (Jeremiah 2:13, KJV), and Zechariah describes Him as “a fountain opened...for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1, KJV).

Isaiah proclaims Him as “everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:4, KJV) and “the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (Isaiah 32:2, KJV). He recalls the gracious promise, bringing to mind the life-giving stream that flowed for Israel: “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them” (Isaiah 41:17, KJV). The promise continues: “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground” (Isaiah 44:3, KJV); “For in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:6, KJV). The invitation is made: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1, KJV).

Finally, the last pages of the Bible echo this gracious call. The river of the water of life, “clear as crystal,” flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. And the invitation still sounds through the ages: “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17, KJV).

This imagery of Christ as both Rock and Living Water reminds us that He is our unshakable foundation and the source of eternal life. To all who thirst, He offers the grace and renewal that only He can provide.