The Greatest Gift

37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, [a]let him come to Me and drink. 38 The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘[b]From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 But this He said in reference to the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7

What is the greatest gift that I've received for my 43rd birthday? It was not a dinner at Katsumidori, nor was it a birthday card with money. It was not the bottle of cabernet left on my desk or the Johnnie Walker. It was not a social media post or a text from a thoughtful friend. Though all of these things are very much appreciated and received with a grateful heart, there is still one thing that I treasure the most.

It is my relationship with Elohim. My Heavenly Father, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. He satisfies me like no other and I long for His company. They day might get away from me where I don't have enough time to spend with God, but when I sit at His feet and receive His word and grace, I am made full to overflowing.

On the last day of the feast, Jesus stood in the temple to teach. Unlike the other 7 days of the feast there would be no water from the Pool of Siloam to be poured out into the silver basin at the altar. Instead of providing water from an earthly source, Jesus offered living water to those who would come to Him. He offers of Himself the Holy Spirit who sustains life eternal. This is a gift that I am always willing to receive. When I do not come to the Lord to receive His word and to drink of His Spirit I am parched. I am weary and make poor decisions to fill this emptiness with something of this world. Suffice to say, without the Lord I am lost.

What can I do with this gift?

1. Treasure it. How awesome is the Lord and great is His faithfulness. I treasure every moment that I spend with you. Whether this be alone over coffee, at church service or in fellowship with others. I am truly blessed by You, my Lord God.

2. Give it away. If anyone is open to hearing, I am open to sharing. Although I am not an evangelist, it is the best thing I can do for others. I know it's difficult to understand and even harder to believe, but if a person is willing to listen, they too can be satisfied eternally.

Father,

You are my gift and greatest treasure. I am so blessed to have you and am thankful that you are willing to have me. Thank you for these 43 years and I pray that this gift can be received by others.