Advent Day 8: The Well (Isaiah 12:1-6)

Isaiah 12 - Nathan Shields

(lyrics below)

Isaiah 12:1-6

In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, Lord.

  Although you were angry with me,

your anger has turned away

  and you have comforted me.

2 Surely God is my salvation;

  I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;

  he has become my salvation.”

3 With joy you will draw water

  from the wells of salvation.

4 In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;

  make known among the nations what he has done,

  and proclaim that his name is exalted.

5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;

  let this be known to all the world.

6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,

  for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

In South Africa there was a small school that we partnered with using their building as our church on Sundays.  The brick building was long and narrow with 3 classrooms and a small office for the headmaster.  Outside the schoolhouse was a spigot where all the children would go to get there drinking water or to wash their hands before and after meals.  It was connected to a nearby dam so the water was good and always running.

This passage of Isaiah reminds me of those children going out to be refreshed by the precious water that flows from that simple spigot.  It is refreshing and cleansing.  It is something that they have to keep coming back to again and again. 

The salvation of Jesus is similar.  It is so refreshing to hear the words, "It is finished.  You are forgiven.  Nothing you say or do will separate you from the love of the Father.  Live in freedom!"

Yet, we cannot hear that message anywhere else except the Bible.  The world around us constantly asks us for more.  Do more.  Be more.  Produce more. 

Instead Jesus invites us to be refreshed by what He has done and continues to do.  To be refreshed by his life-giving salvation.  To trust in his defense and his strength.  This Advent season take time to draw the life-giving water of salvation from the well of God. 

Lord, we praise you and glorify for the work of your glorious cross.  You offer us the refreshing water of salvation that we can draw from through forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love.  Fill us with Your Spirit that we might live freely and with joy in your strength.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

Isaiah 12 - Nathan Shields

When I’m empty

You fill my cup

Need you daily

you do not dry up

whether healthy

or entrenched with doubt

I am joyful

When l seek you out

I will praise you

I will shout your name

through the whole earth

we’re so glad you came

be among us

be among us

I will always thirst for you

I will trust you

for you make me strong

my salvation

you’re my favorite song