~Alex Wu
The Lord spoke to me again: “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River, mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks…Isaiah 8:5-7
Oftentimes, people are attracted to visible success and apparent power. In the Book of Isaiah, this was represented by ancient Syria (Rezin) and the Northern Kingdom (son of Remaliah). Sadly, many of God’s people, both the inhabitants of Jerusalem in biblical times and Christians today, also find “Rezin” and “the son of Remaliah” appealing. Some church ministers who want rapid church growth rejoice over “powerful” techniques, “effective” evangelistic methods and various marketing strategies. Some Christians who want their problems solved rejoice over psychological self-help or any teaching that promises quick gain in the world.
By contrast, God offers us the waters of Shiloah, which are living waters flowing out of the Gihon Spring, through an underground tunnel, and into the Pool of Siloam. The Gihon Spring was intermittent, therefore making the water flow gently and without any apparent power. The water also flowed in a hidden tunnel, not visible to spectators. This is one key characteristic of the Holy Spirit – gentle and invisible. He rewards everyone who patiently waits upon Him. But that’s not all. What we should never overlook is the name of the spring: Gihon, meaning gushing. When the time is ripe, the spring of living water will unleash the power of the Mighty River that washes away every trace of the work set up by “Rezin” and “the son of Remaliah”. What remains is the river of living water that changes from ankle-deep to knee-deep to waist-deep… and continuously flows to bring visible life, fruit and abundance till eternity.
Several months ago, I found myself at a crossroads. Some people close to me were busy doing all kinds of ministry work. They offered me many suggestions. But in my prayer God spoke to me through a vision of a beautiful pool of pure water. A voice said: “Stay beside the living water!”
Gently flowing Waters of Shiloah, I embrace you. Teach me to gain faith, strength and obedience in You alone. When it is time to gush, forget me not. Carry me to do Your great work. May all the glory be to You, my Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!