The Living Water – April 4, 2019

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:3

The Living Water

Throughout the Old Testament of the Bible, water is used as a picture for salvation. Think of the waters of the Red Sea which parted for the Israelites, or the water that flowed from a rock while they traveled through the wilderness. These miracles were frequently cited by the prophets as pictures for the blessings which flow from a gracious God.

For those who live in areas where water is plentiful, perhaps the picture loses some of its punch. With multiple water faucets inside our house, out in the garage, or on the side of the house, we are almost never more than a few steps away from all the water we could need.

But imagine yourself in a dry and barren land with the scorching sun overhead. The last oasis is miles behind you and the next is a day’s travel away. Your lips are dry and cracked and your tongue begins to stick the roof of your mouth. Soon all you can think of is when you will take your next drink of water. What a relief when you finally arrive at the next oasis!

When God’s people rebelled against him, he let them feel the heat of his wrath. Their strength dried up under the weight of their own guilt. But when they returned to him in repentance, the Lord assured them of his love and forgiveness. They had abandoned him, but he had never forgotten his promises to save them. He would one day send a Savior to redeem them—and all people. How refreshing were his words to their soul! Like a splash of cool water to the person dying of thirst.

God’s love and mercy for us are like a well that will never dry up. When your life feels like a spiritual wasteland, when you thirst for good news, when you feel that your spiritual strength is being sapped like in the heat of summer, return to that deep, deep well. Drink deeply of Christ—the Living Water. Let him restore you with his promises of love and forgiveness.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I long for peace and joy. I know that only you are able to truly satisfy my soul. Give me strength to endure the challenges of this world. Amen.