April 24, 2004

THE FOUNTAIN

"In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness" (Zechariah 13:1, NKJV).

There is an intriguing phenomenon in the messianic prophecies pointing to Jesus. Each prophet under inspiration paints a uniquely different portrait of the Messiah. Yet, there is a golden common thread running through each prophecy. That common thread is the incarnation, the atonement, and the final restoration.

In Zechariah's portrait of Christ, he depicts Him as a great cleansing fountain that is wide open to cleanse from sin and uncleanness. By the imagery of a fountain, the prophet accents the cleansing role of Jesus in the plan of salvation. If sinners are to be restored to God's image, they need the righteous robe of Christ which can be worn only by those who have been cleansed. The figure of an open fountain suggests accessibility as well as cleansing.

The Fountain open for sin and uncleanness is humanity's only chance for cleansing from sin and its defilements. The powerful detergent of the precious "blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7, NKJV). Implicit in this statement is the idea that the cleansing fountain is open and accessible to all at all times. The open fountain for sin and uncleanness was opened for all at Calvary. By its cleansing power all guilt is eliminated, and the cleansed sinner has peace with God. Those who plunge themselves into that fountain will lose all their guilty stains. How reassuring to know that, "In the precious blood of the Son of God, the stains of sin may all be washed away. There is a fountain open... and the defilement of sin will be removed from all who will wash in this fountain."--Signs of the Times, May 5, 1887.

My Prayer Today: Lord, thank You for Christ, the open fountain. By Your grace, may I appropriate its benefits. Amen.