The Invitation of the Ages
Dick Foth was the speaker this weekend at Timberline Church. In his message on this weekend before Thanksgiving he shared how an acquaintance of his always responds to the normal greeting, “how are you?” with “I’m alive and grateful.” As he had us repeat that phrase I found it unusually impacting on a personal level. My thoughts were, “I’m alive and I’m thankful that I’m alive!”
A year ago we celebrated Thanksgiving at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. I believe this Thanksgiving, with all that has transpired this year and the opportunity to learn more about the last year, will be a special one.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Revelation 22:17
The Brown Palace Hotel is one of the most historic hotels in America. It was built in 1892 on a triangular piece of land owned by Henry Brown. The sandstone structure has been home to visiting Presidents and dignitaries for over 100 years. Henry Brown is known for donating the property for the Colorado capitol. He felt that having the capitol in “eye-shot” of his hotel would be a draw for visiting legislators looking for a place to stay and quench their thirst.
One of the unique features of the hotel is a 750 foot artisan well that still supplies water today. Travelers coming to Denver through the years on horseback, train and cars have all found a refreshing supply of water from the same well.
Water speaks of refreshment, but beyond that it speaks of life. In hot conditions without water, dehydration can begin to set in within an hour. The appreciation of water is well know in dry arid climates. When Debbie and I had an opportunity, a number of years ago, to visit the middle east, I gained a new appreciation for water. At many times I was willing to pay whatever price was asked for a bottle of water.
As Revelation comes to an end we find an open invitation to the thirsty. Come and take “the water of life without price.” Here in the last book of the Bible we find the offer of life giving water that has echoed through the ages. We read the words of the prophet Isaiah…
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Isaiah 55:1)
During Jesus ministry we see him in conversation with a woman at the well in Samaria. He tells her….
“…whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)
During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stands in the midst of the ritual pouring out of water and declares….
“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)
In each of these passages throughout biblical history they reveal the compassion of the Lord. Whether addressing God’s people in rebellion, a woman in need of new direction, those obeying ritual, but oblivious to the true source of life or those who are confronted with impending judgment. The Lord’s desire across the spectrum of time is for people to receive the life that He gives – and that life becomes a source of life within them.
When you come to the artisan well of God’s grace and Christ’s life you can drink freely, knowing that the supply will never run out.