DIG THOSE OLD WELLS
After having invested his energies digging a well at Beersheba, Abimelech's servants seized the well and contested that they had dug it. As a result, Abraham makes a treaty with Abimelech (like a sworn testimony) that he had dug the well. So, Abraham finally takes possession of the well. (Gen. 21:25 – 31). But after Abraham dies, the Philistines fill in the old wells that Abraham had created.
Sometime later, Isaac reopens these wells, and gives them the same names his father had given them. (Genesis 27:18). In the Middle Eastern context, where water was a scarce resource, all wells were valuable for the continuing sustainability of life for the landowners and flocks. Abraham had invested his energies in establishing the first wells, and now Isaac re-establishes the same wells for his family. Is there any relevance in this story for us today? Yes!
Back in 1972, the Congregational Church in the UK had decided to merge with the Presbyterian Church to form the United Reformed Church. Many churches of those two old denominations with dwindling congregations were sold off to create one more streamlined denomination. One such church was the Congregational Chapel on Normanton Road, Derby. A very small church on Whiston Street, led by Pastor Les Smith and Geoff Pickup, purchased this property and ever since, New Life Christian Centre has been operating in the old church building. In doing so, the spiritual well that had once thrived there, but had dwindled away in its latter years, had been re-opened and the living water still continues to flow!
So, does reopening old wells just relate to properties or places? No! It equally applies to individuals as well. Perhaps you, or a Christian friend you know, may have given their heart to the Lord many years ago, but the issues and cares of life, promoted by the evil one, had caused that friend to step away from their Christian heritage. Through our prayer and encouragement, that friend re-finds the Lord and his/her spiritual well is now flowing again with the living water of God's love and grace, much like the changed life of a prodigal son.
Whether we are a church leader, or someone who has only recently found Jesus as their Saviour, we are all in the ministry of digging and re-opening old wells, wherever they exist, and seeing the living water flow again:
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:19, 20)
Like Isaac, may we have the tenacity to locate and re-open old wells so that we may all witness the living water that Jesus is willing to provide. (John 4:11 – 15)
