WELLS OF SALVATION

ISAIAH 12:1

A. "THEREFORE WITH JOY SHALL YE DRAW WATER OUT OF THE WELLS OF SALVATION."
  1. Wells played a great role in the history of God's people:
    1. The Patriarchs were dependent upon the wells they dug for themselves and their cattle.
    2. Noteworthy events took place at some of the wells -
      1. The angel found Hagar at a fountain of water - Gen. 16:7
      2. Abraham's servant met Rebekah, Isaac's future wife, at a well - Gen. 24:13
      3. Jacob met Rachel at a well - Gen. 29:1-9
  2. The memorable conversation of our Lord with the woman of Samaria took place at Jacob's well: John 4:1-29
B. WELLS OF SALVATION
  1. The use of water as a figure for salvation is very appropriate:
    1. Water is an absolute necessity for life and existence.
    2. In fact, the people in the Middle East call water "the gift of God."
    3. It was when a water seller went through the streets, crying, not "water, water", but "the gift of God, the gift of God", that the people would meet him with great joy.
  2. God is thought of as the great Fountain of living water:
    1. Said the Psalmist, "All my springs are in thee" - Ps. 87:7
    2. Said the Lord Jesus, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink" - John 7:37
    3. And in Jeremiah God complains against his people, "they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters" - Jer. 2:13
  3. The Holy Spirit is also thought of as the refreshing waters of salvation:
    1. Joel 3:18
    2. Zech. 13:1; Ezek. 36:24-27
C. "THEREFORE WITH JOY SHALL YE DRAW WATER OUT OF THE WELLS OF SALVATION."
  1. God's well diggers:
    1. Of them it is written, "Who passing through the valley of Baca (weeping) make it a well" - Ps. 84:5, 6
    2. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." - Ps. 126:5, 6 EXAMPLES -
      1. Abraham - Gen. 12:1-3
      2. Joseph - Gen. 41:42
      3. Moses - Num. 12
      4. Paul - Acts 20:18-38
  2. Drawing out of the wells of salvation:
    1. God's children draw out of the wells of salvation through the study of the Word of God - John 5:39; Acts 17:11, 12; Jer. 15:16
    2. Prayer, earnest and persevering prayer, will help us to draw the water of life from the heavenly sanctuary - Jas. 5:16, 17
    3. Christian fellowship is still another means to draw fresh and refreshing water out of the well of salvation - Heb. 10:24-27
    4. Taking part at the ordinances of the house of the Lord, footwashing, the Lord's supper, will bring refreshment to the soul - John 13:17; 1 Cor. 11:22-29
    5. Visiting the sick and helping the people in need will also bring blessings to the active well diggers - Matt. 25:31-39; Jas. 1:27
  3. "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation":
    1. The discovery of the well of salvation is an occasion of joy - EXAMPLES -
      1. The eunuch, who had found the well of salvation, went on his way rejoicing - Acts 8:39
      2. The jailer, who had unexpectantly found the water of life, rejoiced with all his house - Acts 16:34
    2. Is that our own experience? If not, why not?


Design © John Bryant 2011