That Which Holds Water!

What is the contrasting view between a running spring of fresh water and a cistern built merely to collect and hold water? Which is most dependable? Which would provide the greatest refreshment? Which would "common sense" urge us to choose? Cisterns dug or carved out are dependant upon the amount of rain and runoff they can collect or have poured into them. They are also prone to becoming muddied or cracked and broken. Such water may also become stagnant. A fountain or spring, on the other hand, can provide a continual refreshing source from which to find satisfaction. Would we declare the choice to be a no-brainer?

Note the appalling or astonishing choice of Israel during the days of Jeremiah.
"(12) Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, (13) for my people have committed two evils: they HAVE FORSAKEN ME, THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS, and HEWED OUT CISTERNS FOR THEMSELVES, BROKEN CISTERNS THAT CAN HOLD NO WATER." ( Jeremiah 2:12-13 ESV)

Though God's people had been the recipients of His protection and rich blessings, they made an appalling and shocking choice! They turned from the "FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS" and turned to find satisfaction from the work of their own hands; rejecting what GOD HAD PROVIDED and digging out their own cisterns, and broken ones at that! That is often the problem with man's ideas and workings apart from God; they don't always hold water. A lot of effort can go into our own things with little or no real benefit, as with a cistern that is broken, holding little or no water. Such a choice is noted as being appalling or astonishing because it went contrary to common sense, especially among those who should have known God!

The world may flatter itself by its own wisdom that pleases self, but since it holds no water, this choice brings no benefit. The world may even show no astonishment, but the "heavens" (which may merely be a reference to the heavenly bodies -- sun, moon, and stars -- that were a part of pagan worship) would be appalled. It is as if the rest of God's creation knows its Creator and carries out His given purposes more than "intelligent" mankind! Perhaps the heavenly bodies would rather be desolate of their shining upon mankind than to receive the focus that truly belongs to the Creator. In the Psalms we find reference to even the sun, moon, and stars as praising God ( Psalm 148:3); an act that takes place simply by them doing what they were created to do. Such should be the praise of our life as well! To do otherwise is to cheat ourselves of the LIVING REFRESHMENT ONLY GOD CAN BRING.

Where have we chosen to drink? Have we also committed two evils: turning from God and digging our own watering hole? The Lamb of God is the Great Shepherd Who leads to the "springs of living water." ( Revelation 7:17) Let us therefore continue to accept the invitation of our Lord.

"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)

We have been invited. We are then to also invite others. IN CHRIST is found the ONLY INVITATION to the Father ( John 14:6) THAT HOLDS WATER. May we refrain from being drawn to the cisterns of the world or from digging our own. True refreshment and satisfaction will only be found in Jesus. Let us refrain from digging and continue dipping from what God has provided!

Have a great day DRINKING FROM THE FOUNTAIN THAT WILL NEVER RUN DRY!
Carl

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