A Spiritual Journey Through Scripture

In our quest for understanding and growth, we often find ourselves seeking a deeper connection with the divine. As we gather in prayer, we are reminded of the power of God’s Word, our desire to learn, and the transformative joy that comes from it. Today, we delve into the ancient mysteries of wells, exploring their profound significance in the Bible and how they resonate with our lives today.

The Encounter at the Well: A Biblical Perspective

Turning to Exodus 2:15, we witness the pivotal moment in Moses’ life. After fleeing from Pharaoh’s wrath, Moses finds himself in the land of Midian, sitting by a well. This marks the beginning of his journey, initiated by chaos and trauma. It’s remarkable that many significant biblical encounters occur at wells: Rebecca is chosen for Isaac, Jacob meets Rachel, and Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. Each of these moments speaks to the well as a place of divine connection and revelation.

Wells were not merely sources of water; they were lifelines in the arid landscape of the ancient Middle East. Access to fresh water determined survival, making wells focal points of life, community, and sustenance. They symbolize access to the essential—life-giving resources that sustain us spiritually and physically.

However, these vital sources often faced attacks from enemies, emphasizing their importance. If a well was compromised, entire communities could perish. This metaphor extends to our spiritual lives, where the well represents the Word of God, the source of our spiritual nourishment. The enemy, aware of this power, seeks to poison or block our access to this life-sustaining truth.

The Enemy’s Tactics

For centuries, there has been a famine of true spiritual sustenance among God’s people. The enemy’s strategy often involves subtlety, leading individuals to consume a diluted version of the truth. In first-world contexts, this manifests as gradual erosion of biblical teachings, allowing traditions and societal norms to cloud our understanding.

The distinction between a well and a cistern is critical here. A well draws from underground springs, while a cistern collects surface water—often tainted and unreliable. When Scripture speaks of drinking from broken cisterns (Jeremiah 2:13), it warns us of seeking fulfillment from inadequate sources.

Digging Our Own Wells

In Genesis 21:30-32, Abraham digs a well amidst conflict, demonstrating that digging our wells—our own spiritual foundations—is crucial. Wells symbolize the covenant relationship we enter into with God, and through perseverance, they can provide sustenance for generations.

Young people today, like Abraham’s descendants, face the challenge of identifying where their wells are located. They can choose to either be like starlings, following the crowd, or soar like eagles, embracing the true and life-giving source of their faith.

The Legacy of Faith

What if Abraham had not dug that well? The blessings passed down to Isaac, Jacob, and ultimately to future generations would have been lost. In the same way, the spiritual wells we dig now will nourish our families and communities for years to come.

The encounters that happen at these wells—be they visions or transformative moments—speak of a continuity of faith that spans generations. This is why it’s vital to gather around the well of God’s Word as a family, to create a legacy of faith and nourishment that echoes through time.

The Ultimate Well: Yeshua

When we look to the New Testament, we find Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, illustrating the culmination of all these previous encounters. He is the wellspring of life, the living water that quenches our deepest thirst (John 4:14). This encounter invites us to partake in a covenant relationship that fulfills our spiritual needs and connects us to the eternal.

As we explore these connections, we recognize the importance of not just attending church or participating in religious practices but actively engaging with God’s Word. This is where true sustenance lies.

Let us reflect on the wells we draw from. Are we seeking life from sources that dilute the truth? As we dig our wells—our understanding of God’s Word—we ensure that our families and communities can thrive spiritually. The choice is ours: to become mere followers of the crowd or to rise above, embracing the eagle’s perspective.

As we close in prayer, may we commit to seeking the true well of living water that is Jesus, and may we be diligent in digging our own wells, nurturing a faith that sustains not just ourselves, but generations to come. Amen.

In a world driven by consumption, the idea of creating a lasting legacy often takes a backseat. We indulge in experiences and material possessions, yet how many of us consider the legacy we’re leaving for the next generation? What if we made a conscious effort to pull back from our consumption and instead, build a foundation for those who come after us? This legacy isn’t just financial; it encompasses spiritual and ethical teachings that shape future generations.

A financial legacy can be established by ensuring that our children and their children have the resources they need to thrive, potentially creating millions in wealth by the third generation. But what about the spiritual legacy? The values we impart to our children are just as crucial as financial stability. Our children absorb what we deem important. If they see us engaging in uplifting practices, pursuing genuine interests, and living authentically, they are likely to adopt similar passions and values.

I often meet children whose interests mirror those of their parents, and I find it fascinating. Why do these kids gravitate towards the same movies, books, or hobbies as their parents? It’s simple: they are drawing from the same well. But the question we must ask is whether this well contains the waters of life.

Raising Eagles, Not Starlings

As parents, we have the choice to guide our children toward a life of purpose. Do we want them to merely get by, floating aimlessly like starlings, or do we aspire for them to soar like eagles? My experience with my own children has taught me that when they witness miracles—whether small acts of kindness or profound life lessons—they begin to believe in something greater.

For instance, my daughter Selah, at just twelve years old, exhibits a keen ethical awareness. She recognizes what is inappropriate, demonstrating an ethical barometer that many adults struggle with. When children possess such discernment, what kind of leaders will they become in their twenties, thirties, or beyond?

The Importance of Digging Deep

Reflecting on Jacob’s well, an archaeological marvel that plunges 155 feet deep, we understand that the depths we explore can yield tremendous spiritual nourishment. If we abandon our quest too soon, we may miss out on the water waiting at the bottom. God calls us to dig deeper, to seek Him earnestly. Consider Joseph, whose remarkable journey began at the bottom of a well. His circumstances led him to positions of influence and power that ultimately shaped history.

Sometimes, what appears to be a setback—a personal challenge or struggle—can serve as a stepping stone to something extraordinary. We often mistake our struggles for curses, not realizing that they may be blessings in disguise.

Questioning Our Sources

In today’s world, many are drinking from contaminated sources, both spiritually and socially. Like the Israelites who built golden calves while Moses was on the mountain, we may find ourselves pursuing idols that distract us from the divine. We must learn to recognize these pitfalls and return to the ancient paths that lead to true fulfillment.

Consider the water libation ceremony from ancient Israel. Each year during Sukkot, the priests would draw water from the pool of Siloam, symbolizing the living water offered by God. When we immerse ourselves in genuine worship, we drink from a source that never runs dry.

The Wells We Dig for Our Children

As parents, our authority should not be wielded as a tool for oppression but as a means to build and nurture. The true test of our leadership lies in the legacy we create. Are we instilling a sense of purpose and spirituality in our children? Or are we allowing them to drift downstream, where the waters are murky and polluted?

We must ask ourselves, where are we raising our children—upstream, where the waters are clear, or downstream, where they can easily fall prey to the surrounding currents?

Living a Legacy

In the grand tapestry of life, we are called to dig wells for the next generation, to provide them with sources of nourishment that are pure and life-giving. Whether we’re shaping financial legacies or spiritual ones, the responsibility lies with us.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember to seek clarity in our intentions. The world is full of distractions, but with a committed heart and a steadfast spirit, we can create a legacy that empowers our children to thrive, to lead, and to drink deeply from the wells of truth and love.

Ultimately, we must live with purpose and intention, recognizing that every choice we make shapes the legacy we leave behind. Are you digging a well for your family? The time to start is now.

The Pure River of Life

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, crystal clear, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of the street and on either side of the river was a tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

The Power of the Word

Ephesians 5 says that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of the water of the word. When you get into the river of God, it will heal everything about you. But you must put aside American Christianity, your petty concerns, and truly pursue God. Get up in the morning, spend time with Him, and fast and pray.

Did you know that every Christian in the first century was fasting twice a week? Most of us, in this room and across the country, don’t even fast twice a year. You can’t sin when you’re fasting really hard; denying your flesh at that level is powerful. Imagine the power of God that would enter your life if we started being like the first-century Christians who gave up their material possessions. They didn’t care.

A Call to Offer Sacrifice

God says, “Don’t come before me empty-handed.” He wants us to bring something that costs us. Don’t just reach into your pocket and give a dollar to God if you have seven million in the bank; that means nothing to Him. This is an altar, and you should feel the sacrifice when you’re digging a well for your family.

Teach your children; you don’t have to be a teacher. Lead them in Shabbat and let them honor you by embracing the role of a spiritual leader. Learn something, do something! Even if you have to start small, bit by bit, keep digging. You may not see the fruits of your labor in your lifetime, but your children will continue the work, and it will transform a generation. Amen.

Reflecting on Your Source of Water

I’m going to end by asking a single question: What is your source of water? What’s in your well? Are you playing around your well? What are you allowing through your eye gate and ear gate? What activities are you letting your kids engage in without realizing they might be mixing truth with the traditions of men and paganism?

We live in a world inundated with impure influences. Social media and advertising are bombarding us constantly. Did you know the spiritual realm operates the same way? Whatever you think, say, or do, the enemy is quick to respond. Start praising God every day.

A Challenge for Change

If I had my way, I would eliminate all secular influences. As a leader, I see how the water gets diluted. People justify everything and wonder why they don’t see the power of God in their lives. I challenge you right now: for 30 days after Sukkot, stop listening to anything secular. Turn off your television and social media.

I dare you to fast twice a week and witness the change. Bring your family together, pray, and see how much life will flow into your lives. I will commit to this, and I invite you to join me. Together, let’s be eagles and change the world.

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