John 11:25

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.

Let me indulge today in a Talmudic –style analogy. Throughout the Biblical text there are many repeated themes. These are usually the Heavenly Author’s way to get our attention towards some commonality. Twice in the Apostolic Writings we observe the rolling of a heavy or large stone: once in Bethany with Lazarus (John 11:39).and once at the resurrection of the Master (John 20:1). The common theme of these two events is obvious: resurrection.

When he arrives in the Land of the people of the East (Genesis 29:1), the patriarch Jacob gives us a preview of this ‘large’ stone. Jacob had just been given the promises bestowed upon the Abrahamic Messianic line (Genesis 28). Because he became a forerunner of the Messiah of Israel, the events of his life are to be observed for Messianic clues. His arrival in Paddan-aram is of utmost importance. The scene is set-up like a well-written screenplay. It is a skit, an analogy with a prophetic message for future generations (Genesis 29:1-12).

Jacob arrives near a well at about noon. Three flocks wait for water before going to pasture but it is not time yet as not all the flocks are arrived. The large stone also waits to be rolled from the mouth of the well. Rachel arrives. Jacob falls in love with her at first sight and opens the well for Rachel’s flocks. Having watered the flocks of Rachel the water is now available for those present and those still to come.

Search this analogy with me and see the beauty of the Father’s message in the life of Patriarch Jacob as reported in the Scriptures. The Messianic Redeemer is the One who opens the door to the waters of life giving resurrection. When He, Yeshua is manifested on the world’s scene, people are already waiting for the resurrection, others will be coming. First, the Messianic Redeemer had to be manifested coming out of what seems the wilderness of time to water ‘Rachel’s flock’ (Israel), then the water would be available to the waiting flocks and those still arriving. Rachel’s flocks were watered at noon day; all throughout the rest of the day other flocks will come to this water of life until such a time when night falls and the well is closed again.

Do you hear the cry of the prophet? He is calling to all the nations saying, "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat (Isaiah 55:1)! Sad to say, many false teachers have fouled the Water with their feet (doctrines of man) (Ezekiel 34:18-19). City-folks drink stagnant water from a man-made reservoir filled with chemicals. At my house I have well drawing water straight from Mt Hood’s snowy reserves. City people come to fill up at our well. In these days when there is a famine and drought for the pure Words of the Father, we are commanded to be an oasis for the arriving flocks. Are you?