By Pastor Don Schatz

Water Promise

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud Link

“I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys.  I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.”
Isaiah 41:18. English Standard Version

There is a beautiful fountain and water feature in front of the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park.  The first time I saw it I was reminded of one of the fountains/water features in Tivoli, Italy.  Water, and fountains, play a vital role in the Bible.  They play a vital role in the story of God’s tender mercies toward humankind.  They play a wondrous role in the on-going story of God’s loving journey with each of us.

The Scriptures begin with water–the chaotic representation of the state of the earth before the wonder of God’s Word sundered the darkness and bestowed life on his creation.  In the arid region where the Biblical narrative plays out, water is often rare, and so an apt symbol that God can use for life and promise.  So it is in Isaiah’s words today.

Of course the waters of Baptism, where the Word of God’s Gospel Promise stirs the water, and we are showered in grace for Life, Salvation and Forgiveness.  And the Holy Spirit joins in the fun, just as the Scripture says (Acts 2:38–“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”).

Finally, Revelation 22 pictures the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God.  Along it grows the Tree of Life, from whose fruit we were banished from Eden.  Of course, there is much more fountain/water imagery than this brief survey.

The point today is, even in the valleys (yes, I moved to metaphor) God provides fountains.  Fountains to treat the eyes, and the ears, and the soul of humankind.  They are the fountains of his Promise of Life in Jesus.  Find a fountain today.  Perhaps you have one in your garden.  Sit, if you can, and enjoy the visage.  Take in the sound of the water.  Join the “fun” of the trilling, tinkling joy that moving water can bring.  Be reminded that God is with you today.  And our God makes of you a fountain of life in Christ Jesus.  We cannot know whom the Lord will bless by bringing us into their valley today.  But we bring all the water of God’s promises with us.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado