Isaiah 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
John 7:38 He who believes on Me, as the Scripture has said, "Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.">
Recently, Israel announced it was expanding the Pool of Siloam, which they estimated was about an acre and a half in size. The Pool of Siloam is where Jesus sent the blind man to wash [John 9:6-7] and where he regained his sight. Some scholars believe this was where the first 3,000 souls were baptized upon hearing the gospel in Acts 2. [Acts 2:41]
The Pool of Siloam was also the water source for a significant ceremony during the feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) in the first century. On the last day of the feast, the High Priest went there to draw water, leading a processional of trumpeters, pilgrims, and worshippers to the Temple. Thanks to recent archaeological discoveries, tourists and pilgrims can now follow this 2000-year-old "Pilgrim's Road" path of the High Priest's processional, which ended in the Temple courtyard, where the High Priest would quote from Isaiah 12:3, "With joy, you shall draw water from the wells of Yeshua"; (salvation). At this location during the feast, Jesus shouted, "He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
Israel's archaeological team is removing tons of dirt and debris from this ancient site, clearing the way for clean fresh waters in the Pool of Siloam. We also so desire the rivers of living water Yeshua promised to flow from our inmost being. But is there dirt and debris clogging our spiritual channel? Don't leave it there.
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[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee flames by jumping to the ground from the roof. His father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, “Jump! I’ll catch you.” But the boy was afraid — he couldn’t see his father — all he could see was flame, smoke, and blackness. He was afraid. Still, his father kept yelling: “Jump son! I will catch you!” But the boy refused, crying, “Daddy, I can’t see you!” His father replied, “It’s ok son — I can see you — and that’s all that matters!”
We’re living in some pretty wild times, aren’t we? Over the past few weeks, we’ve watched a political earthquake shake America, sending ripple effects all over the world. Some people see it as a positive change, others think it’s for the worse — but one thing is clear: we are in a season of shifting. And the big question is, will we take this opportunity to boldly stand for truth while the doors are open?
As a pastor who has traveled extensively and also met and ministered to believers from all walks, backgrounds, and denominations, I feel I have a unique perspective on what is happening in the world and among the Body of Christ.
As I look at the big picture, I have noticed that since the recent war broke out in Israel in October of 2023, several ministries that have played a key role in Israel’s spiritual revival have come under intense attack.
So often when I’m counseling someone, he speaks of his life as a life of struggle and even defeat. But what is our true spiritual reality? The Bible describes the enemy as ALREADY defeated! We who are walking as pilgrims in this world, fighting on a daily basis, are fighting a defeated enemy. Let that sink in! He has already been defeated … even though throughout our entire lives we’re in combat with the enemy of our souls.
People read this verse, and think God is telling them to be passive — to overlook what happened. That is not a bad thing — but it isn’t exactly what Yeshua (Jesus) was saying. Turning the other cheek is not about being passive. It’s about being active! So active that it actually confounds your enemy! Turning the other cheek is about taking an action so revolutionary, so shocking, so out of the ordinary that it shocks everyone around. It confounds the world — and can also change it!
In the 4th century lived a Christian named Telemachus, in a remote village, tending his garden, and spending much time in prayer. One day, he believed he heard the voice of God telling him to go to Rome, so he obeyed, setting out on foot. Some weeks later, weary from his journey, he arrived in Rome about the time of a great festival.
Nature provides us with an illustration that closely parallels the insidious tactics employed by our adversary. According to scientists, Arctic polar bears feed almost entirely on seals. To enjoy such a meal, they sometimes resort to a cunning bit of trickery.