A Vessel for Living Water

The Sapphire Review Vol. 2 | No. 2 • January 10, 2025

Charles Kirby

Jan 10, 2025

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 7:38

FAUCET

Consider a faucet and the usefulness of such a vessel as well as its purpose.

Its purpose is to be a dispenser of water. Sitting on a table on its own, this vessel is of no use. It must first be connected to a pipe that will source the water it is to dispense. If the pipe itself lacks a supply of water, the faucet will still fail to accomplish its purpose. It must be attached to a pipe, and that pipe must be of the kind that supplies water.

The faucet is not a source of water, nor is it able to provide such by its own doing. It is merely a vessel used to dispense.

Additionally, the purpose of the faucet is not to hold on to the water for itself, but rather to pour it out for the good of another.

There is a valve within the faucet that is actuated to release the flow of water. The more stubborn and rusted the valve is, the more effort that is required to dispense any water from the faucet. Far more desirable is it to have a faucet with a valve that is free from rust and obstruction, that freely moves to release the water without the least bit of restriction or hindrance.

If one is to drink from the water that the faucet supplies, the inside of the faucet must also be clean and smooth. It must be free from mold, fungus, soot, shavings, and other contaminants. Otherwise, the water that runs past these things would itself become polluted. Far more desirable is it to have a faucet which dispenses the water without adding anything to it of itself.

THE LIVING WATER

Jesus spoke of living water that would flow forth from the bellies of those who believe upon Him and drink from Him.1 This living water that He spoke of represents the Holy Spirit, His very own spirit dwelling within us.2

As with the faucet, the believer must be connected to the supply source to receive of this water. It is upon the fully surrendered, who abide in Christ, that the gift of this Spirit is given.3

Notice in our verse this week, that the living water is to “flow” out of the belly. The water is given so that it may be poured out, and not to form a static basin like a well that serves only the person who has it.

VESSELS OF THE LATTER RAIN

In the early days of the church, there was a special outpouring of this Spirit that was known as the “early rain.”4 In the coming days, in preparation for the time of trouble, there will be another special outpouring. This outpouring will be known as the “latter rain.”5

David, under the inspiration of the spirit of God, prophesied of Jesus in saying:

“I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted in the midst of my bowels.” (Psalm 22:14, KJV)

Truly, to the greatest extent that could ever be done by a man, Jesus poured out His life for others. In this, the greatest possible love was also shown.6

We are called to walk as He walked7 and to love as He loved.8 Thus, we are to have an attitude and willingness of being poured out for the salvation and good of others.

Only vessels of such attitudes will receive of the latter rain. The development of this attitude and preparation for the latter rain begins now. God does not force His will or way upon anyone. It is only by willful submission and earnest seeking that prayers are answered for one to be truly sanctified and transformed into the image of Christ.9 Such sanctification and transformation is what prepares one for useful work10 and to eventually receive the latter rain.

VESSEL COMPARISON

The purpose of the faucet is to be a dispenser of water. The purpose of the Christian is to pour out the love, goodness, and character of Christ by His spirit within them.11 In this way, the Father is glorified.12

The faucet is not itself a source of water. So also, the believer by their own works, righteousness, and goodness, have nothing of true value to offer others.13

The faucet must be connected to the supply source to dispense water and fulfill its purpose. It is only by surrendering to the real Christ14 and abiding in Him that a believer can bear fruit and receive of the living water that will flow out of them.15 Without Him, we can do nothing.16

The faucet must dispense the water, for it is not designed to hold it for itself. The converted Christian is given the gift of the Holy Spirit, not just for themselves, but that the love and character of Christ might flow out of them and impact those around them for the glory of God the Father.17

The valve of the faucet must be free from all rust and resistance if it is to be freely used according to its purpose. It is only by the full surrender of the will, the intellect, the emotions, the ambitions, the desires, the plans, and the thoughts of the believer that they can be transformed and molded in the image of Christ18 and freely used for the works that He is doing in the world.19

The faucet must be free from all contaminants and add nothing of itself to the water if the water served is to be good to the health of the drinker. The sanctified believer, which keeps himself unspotted from the world, has a religion that is pure and undefiled.20 By ordering their steps according to the tried and pure word of God, and surrendering themselves fully and wholly to Christ, sin shall have no dominion over them.21 What truth then comes forth from them may then be received by others, “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.”22

As weights and besetting sins are cast aside, the believer becomes an honorable vessel which is sanctified and ready to be used at the Master’s hand.23

They add nothing of themselves, but have made themselves fully available to be used and poured out for the good and salvation of others unto the glory of God the Father.

PRAYER

May God prepare us now that we may be honorable, sanctified, and useful vessels, well ready to receive of the latter rain when it comes, and to have our lives poured out for the good of others and the glory of our Father in heaven.