0505. "SPRING UP, O WELL!"

"SPRING UP, O WELL!"

Num_21:17

At the beginning of the journeyings of the children of Israel, Moses was commanded to smite the rock in Horeb that water may flow forth for the thirsty people. Now, nearly forty years after, he is told to speak to the rock, but in anger he smote it twice, for which disobedience he was prevented from entering the promised land (Num_20:10-12) That Rock was Christ, says the Apostle (1Co_10:4), and as such it was not the purpose of God that it should be smitten twice. He suffered once in the end of the age to put away sin. Now we have but to speak to the Rock that the refreshing stream may spring up. This sweet little word-"Spring up, O well"-contains-

I. A Suggestive Metaphor. "A well." A well within a rock. This rock is Christ, the Fountain of living water. Like Jacob’s well, it is deep, deep as the fathomless fullness of God. The waters in this well represent the unsearchable riches of Christ-that which is abundantly able to satisfy all the needs of a human soul.

II. A Felt Need. "Spring up, O well." Spring thou up in my thirsty soul, for I have been to the broken cisterns of earth, and am disappointed, and perishing of thirst. Spring up, O well, in this desert life of mine, that has hitherto brought forth no fruit unto God. My heart thirsteth for God, yea the living God.

III. A Great Encouragement. This well can "spring up," so that its life-giving stream may be within the reach of every needy one. There is a tremendous pressure in this spring. It is the pressure of infinite love, a force that can send its influence into the deepest depths of need, and up to the highest heights of satisfaction and spiritual attainment.

IV. A Simple Means. "Spring up." Speak ye to the rock. This rock is waiting to yield its treasures to those who ask. Speak, you don’t need to shout Your speech need not be eloquent. Prayer is a very simple thing when it is real. The remedy for soul-thirst is to speak to the rock. Speak to it when your heart is smitten with barrenness and death. Speak to it when burdened with the dying need of others. Speak to it believingly, and the waters will gush out, then ye shall be able to "Sing unto it."

Autor: James Smith