BIG SPRING

BIG SPRING

READ:

John 4:7-14

The water that I shall give

him will become in him a

fountain of water springing

up into everlasting life.

-John 4:14

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a remarkable natural wonder-a pool about 40 feet deep and 300 feet across that Native Americans called “Kitch-iti-kipi,”  or “the big cold water.”  Today it is known as The Big Spring.  It is fed by underground springs that push more than 10,000 gallons of water a minute through the rocks below and up to the surface.  Additionally, the water keeps a constant temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that even in the brutally cold winters of the Upper Peninsula the pool never freezes.  Tourists can enjoy viewing the waters of Big Spring during any season of the year.

When Jesus encountered a woman at Jacob’s well, He talked to her about another source of water that would always satisfy.  But He did not speak of a fountain, spring, river, or lake.  He said, “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.  But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Far greater than any natural spring is the refreshment we have been offered in Christ Himself.  We can be satisfied, for Jesus alone, the Water of Life, can quench our thirst.  Praise God, for Jesus is the source that never runs dry. –Bill Crowder

Father, it seems that I drink far too often from the

waters of the world that cannot satisfy.  Forgive me, and

teach me to find in Christ the water that can  quench

the thirst of my heart and draw me ever closer to You.

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The only real thirst-quencher is Jesus-

the living water.

INSIGHT

Having conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, the Assyrians adopted a policy of racial assimilation.  They brought in other peoples, who intermarried with the Israelites.  The new race, the Samaritans, followed Judaism, although not fully (2 Kings 17:22-33).  Because of this corruption (vv.20,22), the Jews despised them (Luke 9:52-54; John 4:9).  A Jew traveling from Judea (in the south) to Galilee (in the north) typically avoided Samaria, which was sandwiched between the two regions.  Jesus chose to go through Samaria to seek out a woman who needed Him (John 4:3-5, 10-15).

Have a blessed day and weekend.

God Our Creator’s Love Always

Unity & Peace