Well of Living Waters
written by Karen Holland
[source: Praise Points]
John 4:29 Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?
The word 'come' in the above invitation is the same word used by the Spirit and the bride to invite others to take the free gift of the water of life (Revelation 22:17). This makes me think that the above verses in John 4 paints a picture of a type of bride of Christ. Again this bride seems to be found going to draw water from the well. The Messiah or Bridegroom is also at the well and it seems to be here at the well where they recognize each other. John 4:23 also reveals another quality of the Bride - she will worship in spirit and truth.
Wow! This again points back to images from a previous article 'Sing to the Well'. This article also reveals more qualities of the bride having to do with striking the Rock with a rod; these are collected below.
A picture of the Bride of Christ
• She is from the 'family' ... (Genesis 24:48)
• She is a 'virgin' ... [not physically, but spiritually. (emphasis mine)] (Genesis 24:15)
• She is able to draw water from the well and water 'the flock' ... (Genesis 24:19, 29:6; Exodus 2:15-21)
• She is found at the well, the bride & bridegroom recognize each other here ... (John 4)
• The spirit and the bride say 'Come' -- come to the well ... (John 4:29; Rev 22:17)
• The bride worships in spirit and truth ... (John 4:23)
• The bride 'sings to the well' and water flows from the Rock ... (Numbers 21:16-18)
• The bride has a rod of authority given by the Lord ... (Isaiah 11:1-4)
• The bride uses the rod of her mouth to strike the Rock at the well ... (Isaiah 11:1-4)
• The rod is dipped in honey - God's word is in the bride's mouth and heart ... (1 Samuel 14:27-29; Psalm 119:103)
The bride is a rock garden locked up, a fountain sealed. A secret place hidden and protected belonging to God thru Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The bride is a spring of living waters welling up to eternal life. A beautiful place of communion and fellowship with the Lord is found at this well of living water. The bride and Bridegroom recognize each other here. Worship in spirit and truth occurs here. Water is drawn here by the Spirit and the Bride and offered to the thirsty. The Spirit and the Bride say "Come!”
Come! Come to the well and sing with joy
Worship the Lord in spirit and truth
Give to the Lord the glory due to His name
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness ... (Psalm 29:2)
Under the shadow of His wings drink
Drink the living water from the fountain of life
The river of delights. ... (Psalm 36:7-9)
Come and abide in the secret place
High upon the Rock
Dwell in His house
Drink in His presence
Come and behold the beauty of the Lord ... (Psalm 27:4-5)
The Bridegroom!
Come! Come to the well of living waters!
Isaiah 12:2-3 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Psalm 84:1-2, 4, 10 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere!
Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment