Wednesday night in community group we discussed John 7:37.  What a bold statement Christ would make about being the living water in the midst of a feast and ceremony that celebrated the future Messiah who would bring fertility to the land, freedom and salvation.  The only problem was that Jesus didn’t meet the criteria of the Messiah, at least he didn’t fit the mold the Jewish leaders were looking for.  Towards the end of chapter 7 in the book of John we find the religious leaders complaining about this.  He wasn’t from Bethlehem, we don’t really know who he is, he doesn’t fit our mold.  it’s interesting to me that the same thing happens today.  As I have told many of you, I come with a tremendous background of religion.  Unfortunately that has been more of a hindrance than benefit (there is some good tucked away in all that though).  In my own life I have judged based on appearance, little fact, and very little investigation.  I run into many people who have done this same thing.  Some of them are proclaimed Christ followers, however, you must follow Christ by their rules and standards, and if you don’t – Shame on you.  And I mean literally shame.  They will hold you under the shame thumb until you break or go away, and it’s usually the latter.  Some continue today to judge Christ on very little investigation.   At some point in their life a Christ follower or groups of Christ followers “hurt” them.  Or just maybe in their life, they haven’t found time to search or investigate because they are busy doing the only thing we as humans do well – building cisterns that don’t hold water (check out Jeremiah 2:13-14).  I wanted to post here tonight to tell you about the joy in my heart as I watch people at our little church start – Sonterra Fellowship.  I am so joyed to see men and women begin to investigate.  In fact a few of them were at community group last night.  There is something awesome about watching someone begin the search, and precept by precept come to an understanding of who Christ is and the change that He brings. 

When you get a chance, check out Ezekiel 47:1-12.  This is what Jesus was proclaiming.  Briefly, it’s a passage about living water flowing from the temple and creating life in the Dead Sea.  That’s what Christ brings to our life.  Living Water that brings forth life out of a dry and parched land.  This land is you.  Will you drink up Christ?