OUR NOBLE WELL-DIGGING PATRIARCHS
The Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were regarded as honorable for many reasons. One is, they dug wells to provided water for their clans. Noble minded people dig wells, water works which satisfy needs.
There are intense conflicts and grumbling over water rights. The Patriarchs came up with honorable solutions for the clashes and complaints. Most involved time consuming, back-breaking labor. Answers to problems came with shovels attached!
What do we do when we discover our river bottom has dried into cracked puzzle pieces? Grab a spade!
RESPONDING TO THIRST
Thirsty people grumble, naturally. Churches are not happy with water shortages. We moan and complain. “Where is God’s presence?” “This church is bone dry!” “Where did the love and power go?” “Someone drained the pool!”
Some of us church hop looking for a place with dancing fountains. We hope for an easy drink. Others join a community, and when they realize water is needed, they do all they can to see their tribe gets it. Some complain, or leave. Others dig.
Responsible believers take ownership of problems and work on solutions.
Sometimes responding to the Spirit is a cinch. We cannon-ball in, swim and frolic! When rivers go dry people dig wells. They think this is preferable to dying. If the river goes arid don’t despair, get to work! You remember Jesus saying, “He who believes in me, out of his inner being will flow….” The work of faith produces flow. Digging wells is done by faith.
I visited southern Israel near near Beer Sheva, the well of the oath, and saw a hand dug well. I could tell it was deep because the pebble I dropped took a long time before it plopped. It must have been hard work. If you live in a place with a handful of inches of rain a year you dig or die. Don’t whine if you don’t sense the presence of God. Get digging! Dig deep via hope and humility and intercession and gain water for your clan.
Do you want to see a party? Dig a well in a barren place where people walk miles for water. We were part of a well drilling project in Kenya. What a party they had when the water started pumping!
Many churches do not feel like partying. Who wants a dehydrated fellowship? Some dread going to worship service, fearing the next one will be as dry as the last
Our neighbors and people in faraway places are waiting for us to confirm, Jesus makes good His promise of living water. They try drugs, entertainments and wacked out philosophies to satisfy their thirst. They despair that real drink can be found. You have their answer, but it may require digging.
THE WELL AT BEER
During the wanderings of Israel they dug a well. We get a snatch of the story in Numbers 21:16-18.
“From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, ‘Gather the people together and I will give them water.’
Then Israel sang this song:
‘Spring up, O well!
Sing about it,
about the well that the princes dug,
that the nobles of the people sank–
the nobles with scepters and staffs.’”
THE MARK OF NOBILITY
Those that accessed water for the community were not commoners, they were nobles! Many want a noble title – Duke or Duchess, Apostle, Evangelist or Pastor. Don’t expect people to think you noble because of your genealogy. It will come because of you noble lifestyle, the way you care for others.
Noble leaders realize their responsibility for providing water. They do not idly show up for church, turn on the tap and expect anointed ministry. They probe God. They augur into His heart. They burrow into his word. These leaders are to be honored!
Digging wells is the work of genuine monarchs, knights, barons and counts. They willingly get their hands dirtied and blistered, down in the gloom, for the sake of their people. Laboring in a murky well- shaft may not be your idea of fun but it is a great idea for survival.
Nobility is gained by noble deeds. It is an expression of character. When water is found we celebrate, and the diggers are esteemed!
CELEBRATING
Water in short supply occasions quarrels and contentions. Neighbors fight. When there is abundance fearful apprehension is washed away. We are friends again!
If you delve into the earth boring into the unseen depths you might stumble on diamonds, emeralds and rubies. You might discover natural gas, oil and coal, perhaps ancient fossils. You might also discover water. And if you, your family and flocks were really thirsty you would bring them together, drink deep and throw a party!
Those about you are watching you dig. They hope for your success because they would love a big draught of water. In fact, they would take a water break and throw a party!
NOTE: THIS IS ANOTHER EXCERPT FROM MY UPCOMING BOOK, RIVERFRONT PROPERTY:CONNECTING AT THE RIVER OF LIFE. BLESS THOSE WHO DIG!
Steven C. Johnson
https://landingstripenterprises.com/
