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Isa_12:3. The Wells of Salvation
"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."—Isa_12:3.
This chapter evidently refers to the glory of the gospel age. It appears to contain the church's triumph, in the manifestation of God as the salvation of his people, and the felicity with which they should receive the communications of his grace. The Jews generally adopted these words on the last day of the feast of tabernacles, when they went in companies to draw water from the pool of Siloam; and it was on one of these occasions that the blessed Redeemer stood up and cried,—"If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink," &c.; Joh_7:37.
Let us consider, I. The Water; II. The Wells; III. The Drawing; and IV. The Joy.
I. The Water
There is no metaphor more frequently employed, to set forth the blessings of the gospel, than that of water. It is employed by prophets; Isa_35:6; Isa_55:1; Eze_36:3; by John, Rev_21:6; and, as we have seen, by the Saviour himself; Joh_4:14.
The blessings of the gospel may be compared to water on account,
1. Of their refreshing and fertilizing properties.
As water refreshes the parched earth, so the mind receives peace and comfort, and is made fruitful by an experimental acquaintance with the blessing of redeeming grace. It is by the grace of God, that the barren desert of the soul is made to bud and blossom as the rose, and to wield fruits of righteousness to the glory of God.
The blessings of the gospel may be likened to water,
2. For their purifying influence.
Water is made use of to cleanse and purify; so, the blessings of salvation not only make us happier, but better. They remove the foul stains of nature's defilement, purify the conscience, and make the children of God a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
3. For their essentiality to life.
Water is indispensable to human existence; so, the blessings of the gospel are essential to spiritual life; no life of justification, or holiness, or eternal life, without them. Often spoken of as living waters, water of life, &c.
4. For their adaptation to the universal family of man.
Water is necessary to every country and climate; it suits men of all grades, and color, and rank; so, the blessings of the gospel are adapted to the exigencies of the whole human race.
"Suited to every sinner's case,
Who hears the joyful sound."
Notice,
II. The Wells.
Properly speaking, God is the well or fountain, agreeably with his own statement, in reference to Israel, "Who had forsaken him, the living fountain," &c. In this sense, Christ is the channel or medium of communication; and the Holy Spirit, the water.
But keeping up the figure of the text, we observe,
1. That Christ is a well of salvation.
In him all the fulness of salvation is treasured up. He is full both of grace and truth. Hence, he addressed the woman of Samaria: "If thou hadst asked of me, I would have given thee living water," &c.
2. The Scriptures are wells of salvation.
The prophecies are full of it; so are the gospels, and also the epistles. "Search the Scriptures," &c. "Able to make thee wise unto salvation," &c.
3. The ordinances are wells of salvation.
Public preaching of the gospel: "Ho, every one that thirsteth," &c. Baptism, Lord's Supper, &c.
Let us consider,
III. The Drawing.
"Ye shall draw water," &c. It implies,
1. That the wells are approached.
We must come to the wells. "Draw near to God," &c. "Hear his word," &c.
2. There must be personal application.
There must be an instrument; and the only one is believing prayer. "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord," &c. We must employ this instrument, and ask importunately and perseveringly for them. The application,
3. Must be continued.
This water will be necessary through all our journey.
"Weaker than a bruised reed,
Grace we every moment need."
Notice,
IV. The Joy.
"With joy ye shall draw water out of the wells of salvation."
They draw the water of salvation with joy,
1. Because of its unrestricted freeness.
Way to the wells is open, access easy, no cherubim with flaming sword to prevent the sinner's approach. Free to every rank and order of sinners. Free to each and every child of man. "Whosoever will, may come," &c. "Father invites, and the Spirit and the Bride say, Come," &c. And Christ says, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." And not only are all invited, but there is—
"Enough for all, enough for each,
Enough for evermore."
Like the sea, ever supplying the earth with water, yet ever full. Like the sun, ever shining, yet whose rays are undiminished in power and glory. They draw with joy.
2. Because of the gratuitous terms of communication.
"Without money and without price"
"Ask and receive."
3. Because of the felicity it affords.
They who drink of these streams thirst no more after the perishing vanities of the world. They possess righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. They draw with joy,
4. Because of the hope it inspires.
This water is within them as a well of water springing up to eternal life This is the earnest or pledge of those waters that roll clear as crystal from between the throne of God and the Lamb, of which hey shall drink forever.
And, as the poet sings,
"The thoughts of such amazing bliss
Should constant joys create."
Application
1. Let us rejoice in the abundant provision made for us in the gospel. 2. Let thirsty souls freely partake, and live forever 3. Those who despise or neglect these streams must necessarily perish.