Part 2 of 2

We’ve just recently seen several significant details surrounding Jesus’ identity as the “well” of living water in John chapter 4. He is the only true spring of salvation, and from Him flows the sweetest of all fountains! David reminds us, “For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light!” (Ps. 36:9).

All saints will agree with this glorious identity when it pertains to King Jesus (Rev. 21:6), but the diligent student of Scripture will no doubt glean a bit more from Jesus’ famous words. To the Samaritan woman He said, “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (Jn. 4:13-14). Yes, the living water we now daily feast upon is to become a very “well” itself! The man who habitually partakes of God’s glorious out-pour will be a man who grows radically transformed into God’s well for dying creation! Life-giving water will now be seen “in him” and through him (vs. 14). No longer will he be but a recipient of refreshing, now he will be a conduit. The glory of God will spring up and leap out from the well that’s been created deep within. The Holy Spirit will readily flow through him, as a “well” sent to feed and water the famished of the earth. 

“But as many as received (Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (Jn. 1:12-13). 

 Reader, the same special, inward qualities that Jesus displayed to the earth are to be worked within us, His sons, as well. We’re to become conduits of God’s loving-kindness, and vessels overflowing with His glory. This will be such a sweet feast for fallen creation (Rom. 8:18-19)! Mankind’s parched lips and arid hearts will finally taste living water once and for all! And God wants you and I to become the very “well” from which His gracious drink is offered. What an honor! We’ll light the way and lead humanity to the only sure spring!

“Ye are the light(s) of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matt. 5:14).

“…Thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness. An instructor of the foolish, [and] a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law” (Rom. 2:19-20).

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you” (Gal. 4:19).

Men will be able to drink of the fruit of your life! They will be able to partake of the well dug deep within you! Today, in our weakness, the bride of Christ may appear to be nothing more than “a spring shut up, [or] a fountain sealed” (Song. 4:12). Yet, God is faithfully completing His work deep within (Jas. 1:4). Eventually, this bride will channel God’s glory to the earth. She will be seen feeding God’s friends (Song. 5:1; 8:8-10)! Out of her belly will flow rivers of living water (Jn. 7:37-39). A well of glory will have been created inside! We will become what we’ve spent a lifetime beholding.

But friends, as always, there is a awful counterfeit! There’s always an easy route and a cheapened, pseudo-well that men may form. The Bible calls it a “cistern“.

“For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:13).

A cistern is a vessel that only momentarily holds water; it cannot dispense or distribute it to others. Contrary to a well, a cistern does not possess a true life source within it. Instead, it must be filled and re-filled in order to be useful. A cistern is filled for it’s own sake. This is why the Bible tells us cisterns do not profit (Jer. 2:11). If left alone, a cistern’s water will soon turn stagnant or dry up. What a pertinent picture of our present day! Far too many Christians are nothing more than cisterns, and far too few give any care to becoming wells of life. The people of God are far too often in it for themselves; we’re spiritually selfish! Which sort of vessel would you rather be? A well or a cistern? Are we content with but a mere pot of water to quench our own thirsts? Or do we seek to grow God’s life within us, so that one day it can spring out unto others? The choice is ours.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God… Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (1 Cor. 10:31-33). 

When the nations are weary, can they come and drink of the fruit in your life (Jn. 4:6)? Can they partake of the victory and refreshment God’s granted you? Friends, this is what Jesus is after! And this is what creation is desperate for.