December 8, 2015
By: James L. Brewer-Calvert
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
–Isaiah 12: 3
Drink deep.
One fine day a friend told me about the well at his family farm. He said it had a pump, the kind you primed by swinging the handle up and down several times before the first drips fall from the faucet into the bucket waiting below. Crystal clear and cold water would come gushing forth, pouring, splashing, joyfully cascading downward. A tin cup was kept ready on a hook. After the exertion of pumping he would fill the cup to overflowing and drink deep, enjoying the cold water that trickled down his throat. There were many chores to do on the family farm, some he did not especially care for; yet he never minded going to the well to draw water. Long after they sold their farm and moved away, he remembered and rejoiced in the taste and sensation of the well water.
He shared about the day they returned to the farm. The farm had been vacant for many years. When they arrived the land had a hollow, empty feel. As soon as the car stopped he made for the well. He pulled away the brush and weeds that covered the pump. The old bucket was nowhere to be seen, yet the tin cup was still hanging on its familiar hook. He primed the pump. It squeaked so loudly that he added few drops of oil to ease its pain and rust. Again, he repeatedly pumped the handle, eagerly anticipating a cascade of cold, clear water.
He continued his story, saying, “Nothing happened. The well was dry. You see, if you don’t pump a well on a regular basis, it will dry up. When a well has been abandoned neither pumping or wishful thinking will bring it back to life. That day I left the old farm thirsty and disappointed. However, I also left with some wisdom. I learned that even though my physical thirst was not quenched, I gleaned a spiritual insight that’s filled my cup to overflowing again and again. For me to drink deep from Jesus’ Living Water, from the Cup of Life, from the Word of God, I’ve got to continually return to the well that God provides, a well which springs up within us and in Christ’s Church. Today I find my life is deeper, richer, more fulfilling and joyful when I regularly practice the faith I’ve been blessed to receive.”
Sometimes we ignore, abandon, or neglect our faith encounters with Christ and one another. Too often we cease to return to the Source, to the well of Living water. Trust that the Lord will provide what Isaiah testified to: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12: 3) Let us draw deeply upon an everlasting, divine source that refreshes and restores, reconciles and rejuvenates.
St. Bernard of Clairveaux said, “Everyone has to drink from [one’s] own well.” This was really brought home when I read a book on Christianity by Gustavo Gutierrez. Gutierrez said that, “Spirituality is like living water that springs up from the very depths of the experience of faith.”
In the everyday patterns of life God is alive and present. God loves you, and upholds you with the extravagant gift of Living Water. Drink deeply from your experiences and encounters with God. Remember and rejoice in the taste and sensation of the Living Water, of the wells of salvation.
As always, First Christian Church of Decatur, I am delighted to be your pastor. Shalom, James