Mayim Chayim: The Living Waters
It was at this festival that Yeshua spoke while standing in the Temple, “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Yeshua stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.”‘ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Yeshua was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39).
I pray that the significance of immersion is clearer for those of us who have gone from death into life through the symbol of mikveh, or baptism. It is a harsh world in which we live, often frigid. But just like the man in the beginning of our story, we have the ability within us to enter the refreshing pool every day, every hour, every moment, if we so chose, and to rest in its warm, protective covering. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in whose names we have been baptized, are always with us, filling us to overflowing. Brethren, be a river of Living Water!
PR
* Editor’s Note: Beginning this issue, Kevin Williams has begun using the Aramaic transliteration of “Jesus,” Yeshua [pronounced \ye-shoo-ah\]. This name in Hebrew is identical to the transliteration in English, “Joshua.”
Select Bibliography
- Jewish New Testament Commentary. David H. Stern. Clarksville, MD: Jewish New Testament Publications, 1992.
- Josephus. William Whiston, trans. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1970.
- Mishnayoth. New York: Judaica Press, 1964.
- The Artscroll Mishnah Series, Seder Toharos, Vol. IV (b). Brooklyn: Mesorah Publications, Ltd., 1991.
- The Life and Times of Yeshua the Messiah. Alfred Edersheim, 1907.
Category: Biblical Studies, Fall 1999