(The following is the April 14 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read John 7 and pay close attention to verses 37-39.)

Meditating on God’s Word can range from reflecting on long passages to concentrating on a word or phrase. Both approaches are valid, but today we focus on breaking down one verse. John 7:37 says, “On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.’”

Consider the meaning of each phrase Jesus spoke in the verse:

“If anyone” – There are no limits to who can come to Jesus. People from every nation, tribe, language, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, educational level, sex, occupation, religion, political persuasion, and neighborhood can come to him. The door is open to everyone.

“Is thirsty” – We have a need only Christ can meet. Our spiritually parched lives gasp under the burden of sin, and our greatest need is forgiveness. Genuine salvation acknowledges the personal sin that separates us from God.

“Let him come” – God took the initiative to provide a way for lost sinners to reconcile with him. Repentance and faith are the instruments by which we come to him.

“To me” – There are many world religions and countless people who oppose religious faith, but living in a relationship with the one true God only happens through faith in Jesus Christ, as Acts 4:12 confirms.

“And drink” – Don’t come to Jesus once and then ignore him. Keep drinking daily from the well of truth that is his Word. Never stop in this life until you draw your final mortal breath.

Next Step:
Ponder Jesus’ words above from John 7:37. Have you responded in faith to Jesus’ invitation? Do you continue to drink from his bottomless well of truth found in his Word? Choose another familiar Bible passage and slowly ponder each word or phrase.