Water of Life

“One soldier thrust his lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.” John 19:34 

In the following verse we read that this testimony was given by an eyewitness at the crucifixion. He saw the soldier pierce Jesus’ side when He was still on the cross, and observed that blood and water flowed out. 

In his book “The Case for Christ”, Lee Strobel asked a doctor what would happen in such a case. “Hypovolemic shock would have caused a sustained rapid heart rate that would have contributed to heart failure resulting in a collection of fluid in the membrane around the heart called Pericardial Effusion, as well as around the lungs (Pleural Effusion). The spear of the soldier apparently went through the right lung and into the heart. The fluid would have the appearance of water followed by a large volume of blood.” That is what happened in the physical world.

But what happened in the spiritual realm is actually more momentous. With the first Adam in Genesis, God put him to sleep and took a woman, the first Eve, out of his side (Genesis 2:21-22). Jesus is the 2nd Adam, and God took the 2nd Eve out of His side, the Church, symbolized by blood (the sacrifice of the Eucharist) and water (baptism). 

In Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 47, the prophet describes the water of life. “Wherever this water flows, everything will live” (v.9). Through the water of life from the wounds of Christ, Ezekiel’s vision is fulfilled.

Lord, by Your Spirit, may we, Your people, Your Church, bring new life, healing and transformation wherever we go.