No life without water
In Baden-Württemberg, about 700 million cubic meters of drinking water are produced annually. The main sources are pumped into the supply network from Lake Constance as well as from other distant areas. Of this, about 125 million cubic meters per year are pumped into Baden-Württemberg.
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12,3 (ESV)
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” Psalm 42:2+3 (ESV)
The Bible tells us a lot about wells. Water was precious and often scarce in the Orient. There were often conflicts over the ownership of wells (Genesis 26:17-21).
1. There are three types of wells that stand out particularly
First of all, these are the wells created by humans. For example, the well of Jacob (John 4:12). In times of low rainfall, it occasionally dried up. This water could not satisfy in the long run.
The second meaning is 'cistern or pond.' Here, water collects for a certain period of time, but it soon evaporates. Such wells are called cisterns with cracks (Jeremiah 2:13). This water cannot be drunk, and when it is needed most, there is none available.
The third word translated with 'Brunnen' means spring or fountain. These are not dependent on rain or catchment channels, but are fed by underground sources and flow equally strongly in wet and dry times. Jesus compares these wells to the fountain of salvation, and Isaiah refers to them in our text (see above). What we need are living springs.
2. God has given water its abundance
- “The little fountain of God is full of water” Psalm 65:10
- “All my springs are in you” Psalm 87:7
- He gives water in abundance: Isaiah 55:1
- Unaffected by weather and season Zechariah 14:8
- They flow into eternal life John 4:14
- Inexhaustible supply Revelation 7:17
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
John 7:37+38 (ESV)
3. Through HIM, we become like a strong stream, a source
Those who do not share what they have received from God become a foul-smelling pond (puddle). Let us be contagious sources so that many more may receive God’s salvation.
In a poem about the fountain, it says in the one where the fountain speaks: 'Someone comes and drinks from me, do you think he gives thanks for it? But I flow and am always happy to give. So beautiful and simple is my life. To give and always just to give!'
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.
Psalm 36:9 (ESV)
4. An Invitation for the Reception of Living Water
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:17 (ESV)
First, the triple invitation: Come! Then the last word: For free, without price!
God gives us the assurance that with Him we can satisfy our thirst for fulfillment in life, love, joy, recognition, and forgiveness. He wants to become a source for us through His Word in the Bible, in prayer, and in fellowship with others.
Blogauthor: Egon Waechter
