August 5th, 25: 2 Kings 23; 2 Chronicles 35; John 7 : Daily Bible in a Year

Introduction

Welcome to the August 5th episode of Daily Radio Bible. On this 218th day of our journey through the Scriptures, Hunter invites listeners from around the globe to gather and warm their hearts by the fire of God’s love. In today’s readings, we witness King Josiah’s remarkable reforms in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, including his renewal of the covenant, the purging of idolatry, and a historic celebration of Passover. We then turn to John 7, where Jesus reveals himself as the source of living water during the Festival of Shelters, declaring the fulfillment of prophetic promises and inviting all who are thirsty to come to him. Join Hunter as we explore these transformative moments in Scripture and enter a time of prayer, reflection, and encouragement, remembering that no matter where you are, you are loved.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

Rivers of living water. As the Festival of Shelters reached its height, the priests poured out water on the altar, a symbol drawn from the prophets: a promise that one day, God would pour out his Spirit on all people, quenching the thirsty and reviving the dry and weary. In the context of this ancient ritual, Jesus stands up and declares with authority and longing: “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me. Anyone who believes in me may come and drink, for the Scriptures declare rivers of living water will flow from his heart.” All the anticipation, all the longing embedded in the festival’s water ceremony—Jesus claims it is fulfilled in him.

He does not come to make a name for himself, or to satisfy the expectations of his brothers or the crowds longing for fame or power. His purpose is deeper—his mission is to pour out the Spirit, the true living water, into the lives of all who would come to him. Jesus is concerned with what the Father desires: to seek, to save, to invite humanity into the fellowship he shares with the Father and the Spirit.

This river is not merely for our refreshment. Christ’s living water flows through us and into the world—to heal, to bring hope, to bear fruit. If we receive him, if we trust that the Scriptures find their meaning in him, we find that he, in turn, finds meaning in us—and not just us, but all people. The Spirit he pours out is abundant and free, life that cannot be constrained or manufactured, but must be received.

Let us come to Jesus, the source of living water. Let us allow his Spirit to flow in and through us, bearing fruit and offering life to a thirsty world. Let us not seek to be noticed or praised, but let our lives be channels of mercy, compassion, and blessing—evidence of his abiding presence and love.

That is a prayer I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you.

May it be so.