Drawing Water from the Well

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make his deeds known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. (Isaiah 12:3, ESV)

Did you know that in most rural areas, or those outside major cities its common for water to come from a natural well? In fact, about 15 million people in the US rely on well water. In a state such as Michigan more than two-thirds of the people there get their drinking, cleaning, cooking, and bathing water from a well (also known as ground water). There are a lot of advantages of getting your water from a well, one is that wells have a nearly endless supply of water and is one of the most cost-effective ways to deliver water to your home. They have a long-life span. Some wells can produce water for 30-50 years! One thing about wells is,  they are deep, and in order to draw from them you need a bucket or delivery system in order to enjoy the water they hold.

In the Old Testament, we read stories about nations or people who were having disputes over whose property a well was on, who had legal rights to a well, and who was entitled to use it. It was not uncommon for these disputes to result in battles. Because wells supplied water for human life, cattle, and crops, we can understand their importance and why determining ownership was critical.     

Isaiah says Jesus is the Well of salvation. From him people—then and now—received deliverance from all enemies: physical and spiritual. Receive comfort, the peace that comes from forgiveness, and salvation. We don’t need to fight over Jesus the way the people fought over their wells long ago. We don’t need to set up boundary markers or enter into disputes about who he belongs to. Jesus belongs to everyone who calls on his name. We can all, regardless of denomination, religion, or belief, draw from his many, endless, and deep waters. Because Jesus existed before the beginning of time with the Father and the Spirit, came to die for the sins of all people, none can say he belongs exclusively to them exclusively and is only for them. And whoever comes to him for rest, peace, strength, comfort, wisdom, grace, unconditional love, and forgiveness will find help in their time of need. We praise God for sending such a deep spiritual Well as Jesus. Let’s Pray,

Gracious God, Christ is our deep, endless, timeless well, whose living waters quench every thirst. Thank you for sending him to the whole world so all who believe in him can draw from his rich, life-giving waters. Amen

Questions for Examination and Self and Soul-Tending:

What is your personal belief system? Do you remember to go to the well of your salvation for all you need? How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of self and soul-care?