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Prepare: ‘Water links us to our neighbour in a way more profound and complex than any other’ (John Thorson). Pray for the people you are bound to through water (Lamentations 2:19).
New wells
Seasons come and go, but human nature doesn’t change. It’s like father, like son for Isaac, who attempts to deceive the very same king (ch 20). However, amid failure there is success: Isaac plants crops (the only patriarch known to have done so) and reaps a good harvest.
It’s a mixed blessing and they’re forced to move away to a dry, desert area at the northern tip of the Negev. But the wells have become unusable – as they often do today. Claiming new sources of fresh water brings conflict – as it often does today. But when all goes well, the people can celebrate freedom – as is often the case today, too.
God’s blessing
Once they have their own wells people have time to do other things. Water is like ‘silver’, says the poet Imtiaz Dharker. For children it’s a blessing that ‘sings over their small bones’. They no longer spend hours fetching water; they can go to school or play with friends. For such blessings, we depend on our Creator – as Abimelech recognises (26:28).
Water joins us to others. Every time we offer someone a glass of water, do a sponsored walk or donate towards the cost of a well, we create new Beershebas: places where God can bless people with his love.
Respond: Bring water to someone this week. Tie a thread around your wrist as a reminder until you’ve done it.
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-05-10
New wells
Seasons come and go, but human nature doesn’t change. It’s like father, like son for Isaac, who attempts to deceive the very same king (ch 20). However, amid failure there is success: Isaac plants crops (the only patriarch known to have done so) and reaps a good harvest.
It’s a mixed blessing and they’re forced to move away to a dry, desert area at the northern tip of the Negev. But the wells have become unusable – as they often do today. Claiming new sources of fresh water brings conflict – as it often does today. But when all goes well, the people can celebrate freedom – as is often the case today, too.
God’s blessing
Once they have their own wells people have time to do other things. Water is like ‘silver’, says the poet Imtiaz Dharker. For children it’s a blessing that ‘sings over their small bones’. They no longer spend hours fetching water; they can go to school or play with friends. For such blessings, we depend on our Creator – as Abimelech recognises (26:28).
Water joins us to others. Every time we offer someone a glass of water, do a sponsored walk or donate towards the cost of a well, we create new Beershebas: places where God can bless people with his love.
Respond: Bring water to someone this week. Tie a thread around your wrist as a reminder until you’ve done it.
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-05-10
Scripture
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WordLive provides a daily slice of Bible reading and commentary that, over four years, covers most of the Bible. The commentary encourages the reader to engage with the Bible passage in order to deepen their relationship with God, through reflection and practical application. The WordLive website offers further multimedia content and group Bible study, while registration offers a daily email, journal and bookmarking, and community tools.
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