By Pastor Don Schaz

Drink Up!

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God!  All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.  They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.  For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”
Psalm 36:7-9 New Revised Standard Version

Some years ago I served Fountain of Life Lutheran Church.  In the church courtyard was a large fountain, where we customarily celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism.  Our youngest child was baptized at that Fountain, with the congregation gathered round in a circle of 300 Christian brothers and sisters.  The Baptismal font, no matter its shape or location, is a fountain of life.  The promise of the Gospel bestows life, forgiveness and salvation.

Jesus described the Kingdom of God as a large tree or bush in which all the birds of the air could find rest.  God’s invites all to find rest in his Kingdom through the Good News

that is Jesus Christ his Son.  The fountain on my patio was not intended as a water fountain for the neighborhood crows.  But no one told them that.  My next door neighbor feeds them.  When you eat, what better than to pop over the fence for a drink of running water?

Combined, fountain a

nd bird provide me a living image of the fountain of life that is God’s Kingdom.  Not everyone likes crows.  I talk to them.  I suppose that say more about me than the crows.  All are welcome to my fountain.  All are welcome to God’s Kingdom, to drink of the living water of God’s fountain.  I am welcome.  You are welcome.  

Come to the waters.  Drink deeply of Christ.  “[Jesus] cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ ”  Now he said this about the Spirit” (John 7:37-39).  The Spirit of God flows from you to others through the Gospel.  You carry the fountain of life with you.  Who in your life needs a drink today?

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado