Meditations from Zion

John 3:5
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit…”

These are two strong metaphors that have much to tell us. From the beginning, water was the primary element of the earth. Wars have been fought over access to fresh water throughout the centuries. Water is a huge percentage, up to 65%, of our bodies. Water sustains all living things. Water is also a symbol of cleansing and refreshing. Isaiah says, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:3) Streams of water are referenced over and over again as a sign of renewal in a dry place [e.g. Isaiah 35:6]. John baptized with water as a symbol of repentance. Jesus spoke of Himself as Living Water [John 4:10]. And Jesus said if we drank His water, a spring of water would well up within us, even unto eternal life [John 4:14].

But John also said that Jesus would baptize with the Spirit and fire [Matthew 3:11]. And it is through this second baptism, the very presence of God within us, that we are transformed completely. I believe the kingdom within us… our interior landscape … is built by the Holy Spirit.

We are sustained by the water of life, but we grow and mature through the Spirit. It is the Spirit who teaches us [John 14:26], counsels us [John 15:26], gives us power [Romans 51:13], and puts us in direct fellowship with the Christ [2 Corinthians 13:14].

Lord Jesus, water the seed and grow your Kingdom within me. Teach me how to nurture what you have already given