This passage from Isaiah reminds me of Hagar. In Genesis 16, Hagar leaves what seems to be an impossible situation and flees to a wilderness place, a desert place, next to a spring. She is definitely parched, within and without. Hagar’s hope has run dry. Hope that there is redemption for the present; hope that there is promise for the future. But then . . . the Lord!
An angel of the Lord appears and meets Hagar in her destitute dryness giving her direction for the present and promise for the future. Yes, with Hagar, we learn the truth of the prophet’s words, the Lord will guide us continually.
There is no runaway wilderness that can escape God’s notice, or escape God’s care. God enters our places of need to satisfy, to strengthen, to drench.
Never failing God-waters spilling and splashing and drenching any doubt that God does not see our struggle, that God does not have a plan for our redeeming! And what a plan it is – not an angel this time – but God’s. own. Son.
Parched in the hopelessness of sin, the love of God drenches us in grace. With Hagar we drink from Beer Lahai Roi, well of the Living One Who Sees, the Living One Who sees and saves! Sin’s arid shackles shattered! Death’s dry chains destroyed!
“Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting? Thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:55,57)
Prayer
This Lent may we drink deep knowing we are seen, we are loved, we are saved . . . and (we) shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. May it be so.
Rev. Dena White is the Fairway District Superintendent