The Fountain of Life
Have you ever heard of someone searching
for the “fountain of youth”? It refers to a mysterious and hidden spring
mentioned in folk tales as capable of making people young again. It is a
mythical spring which allegedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or
bathes in its waters. Today, with
our modern scientific mindsets, we no longer believe in this secret fountain,
but many people still believe that they can find some “secret sauce” that will have
the power to restore health and vitality or to restore their youthful
appearance.
The Bible never mentions the “fountain
of youth,” but it does refer repeatedly to the “fountain of life.” Like the
fountain of youth, this fountain is also mysterious and hidden. But, unlike the
fountain of youth, the fountain of life can be found by anyone and everyone who
“drinks or bathes in its waters.” The fountain of life has the exclusive and exceptional
ability to restore life to the dead and to revitalize the soul of the lifeless.
It is not mythical but it is a real place of miraculous healing for the human
spirit. The prophet, Jeremiah referred
to it as “the fountain of living waters.” (Jeremiah 2:13) So, where is
this amazing “fountain of life”? It can be found in one place, and only one
place. Psalm 36:9 tells us exactly where to find it – in God. “For with You is
the fountain of life.”
Jesus would later refer to this fountain
of life as “living water.” One day, while speaking to a woman, Jesus said, “If
you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a
drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10) On another occasion, Jesus cried
out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes
in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38) The water that He speaks
of is not to quench a physical thirst, but a spiritual thirst. It is not
to restore physical health or youthful looks, it is to restore spiritual
vitality to dry and empty souls.
People need this “living water” to give
life to their spirits more than they need physical water to give life to their
bodies. We are told that the “living water” Jesus offered is really the Holy
Spirit. He is the Only One who will be able to satisfy the thirsty spirit.
One day, we will live in eternity with
the One who is the Fountain of Life – “For the Lamb in the midst of the
throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their
eyes.” (Revelation 7:17) The picture is of a place where God lives with
His people and meets all of their needs. In ancient times, a city with a
continual supply of fresh, clean water would be considered a great place to
live. The abode of God and of the believer for all eternity is pictured as
having a pure, clear river running through the heart of it; in other words, it
is a place where no need will be left unmet. Are you thirsty today? Do
you need the life of the Spirit to revitalize your spirit? Then come to Jesus,
the fountain of living water. “Come. And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” (Revelation 22:17)
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