SEARCHING FOR ETERNAL LIFE
“For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the
fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns,
that can hold no water” (JER 2:13).
One of the most intriguing stories from the age of discovery is that of Ponce De Leon's search, in 1513,
for the "Fountain of Youth." He was told by Caribbean natives that a legendary fountain of water is on a great
island. This fountain, said the legend, had healing powers and power to sustain life forever. Ponce De Leon, of
course, did not find this fountain, but he did discover the great island, at least what he thought was an island, he
named it "La Florida."
There is a real fountain of living waters. This fountain is identified in Jeremiah 2:13, where God is
speaking about His people Israel, where it states, “They [My people ] have forsaken Me the fountain of living
waters.” That is proof God is the source of the true living water.
What are the properties of this fountain? Jesus Christ, speaking of the power available to humans from
God, said in John 7:37-38, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the
scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” Jesus was speaking of God's Holy Spirit, the
power by which God does everything He carries out to do.
It was by the Holy Spirit that the earth was renewed, “ You send forth Your spirit, they are created: and
You renewest the face of the earth” (Ps 104: 30). In Job 26: 13, we learn that the whole universe came into
being. “By His [God’s ] spirit He has garnished the heavens.”
This fountain of living waters is perpetually flowing; it will never dry up according to Isa 58:11, “And
the Lord shall guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and make fat your bones: and you shalt be
like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”
In times of a drought ones well can run dry and cause a person to become mighty thirsty, but Christ gives
encouragement in John 4:14, “Whoever drinks of the water I shall give him will never thirst.” A fountain's waters
can be refreshing, renewing one's strength on a hot, sunny day.
The fountain of living waters also gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might. God says,
He will increases our strength. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases [their]
strength” (Isa. 40:29). And in verse 31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
In this fast-paced society, the bubbling, gurgling sound of waters from a fountain can be comforting. The
fountain of living waters of God is the fountain "of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials and tribulations.
The Apostle Paul weighs in on this subject. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to
comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Cor
1:3-4).
Man has built fountains from which water literally explodes in an upward surge, such fountains exemplify
great power being released. But the fountain of living waters is the source of all power. We see in I Chron.
29:12, where David is speaking of God’s spectacular assets. “Wealth and honor come from You [speaking of
God ], You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all”
(NIV). Here is a fountain, far more spectacular and versatile than anything of which Ponce De Leon, could have
conceived. But imagine, for a moment, that if Ponce De Leon had discovered the legendary fountain of youth.
Imagine that, in his curiosity, he had found that bathing in its waters daily made him feel more youthful and
energetic, and that his life was actually extended. Do you think he would have minded bathing daily if it meant
he could live forever?
Yet, how much easier by comparison is it to come before the throne of God on our knees in daily, heartfelt
prayer and hear God say, “I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely.” We can read that in Rev.21:6.
We need simply to ask for it!
As the waters of Ponce De Leon's mythical fountain were supposed to have the power to perpetuate life,
the water of the fountain of life (God's Holy Spirit) has the power to perpetuate our lives forever.
God is now making available, to a few He is calling in this age, the power of His Holy Spirit. That is the
lesson of the festival of Pentecost.
Ponce De Leon's health was ailing in 1513, and this was probably a big motivation behind his search for
the fountain of youth. How much would he have paid to bathe one time in the fountain's healing waters? One
day in the future we might hear that answered.
He made two mistakes that resulted in his failure to find this fountain of life. First, he didn't search in the
right place. Psalms 36:9 proves that for us. “For with You [God] is the fountain of life.” Second, he didn't
properly fear God: “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to avoid the snares of death” (Prov. 14:27). If we
want to find the true fountain of life, we should not make these same mistakes, Ponce De Leon did! He died not
finding the fountain of life!
The lesson learned from that story is, we need to heed and listen to our Lord found in John 12: 25-26,
“The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal
life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My father will honor the one
who serves Me” (NIV).
After we die, will we be remembered as a true Christ like servant, whose good works will inspire others
for years to come? Will your life’s deeds kindle respect and honor in the minds of your associates ? People you
know, family, friends, neighbors, ect? Or will the memory of your life fade into the background to be soon
forgotten?
Worse yet, will you be remembered for the wrong reasons? Living a life-style that brought shame and
disgrace to your family, your friends and to the very name-of-God? That is the importance of setting a good
example.
Most people give little thought to the effect their lives should have on succeeding generations. Their
example should live long beyond the grave, yet that seems to never enter their minds. Lets notice from God’s
word the importance of building a good reputation that will help point others to God's soon coming kingdom!
Questions to ask ourselves is: Is our life a glory to God? Is our life a shining testimony of how God's
way should be lived ? Will your contributions and achievements go down in history as a monument of your love,
and service to God? Are we a good example of having God’s living waters, His Holy Spirit living in us?
Many years ago, Joyce, my wife and I had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C., where a lot of
revealed history was on display. The experience brought to mind the strong qualities of leadership America's
founding fathers displayed! Qualities such as courage and faith, patriotism and love for country, perseverance
and determination to achieve freedom against great odds !
These courageous leaders, among them were Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and
George Washington! They left a legacy that has lasted. Thinking on these patriots patriotism– Are you and I a
model of Christ like leadership, that will be remembered years after our earthly sojourn ends? Will we be
thought of as having God’s fountain of living waters in us? His Holy Spirit living in us ?
In the Bible we find inspiring accounts of the greatest men and women who ever lived. In God’s wisdom,
He saw fit to record their lives for the edification of His future called out ones. How often do we go to God's
Word, the Bible to draw strength and courage from the many experiences and examples found there?
In the faith chapter, Hebrews 11,we find a list of God’s loyalist, faithful saints. The trait that set them
apart was the strong faith in God. They walked with Him and obeyed Him to their deaths. In Hebrews 12:1, we
read an amazing truth about these saints, referring to their remarkable examples. Apostle Paul writes,
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and
the sin which so easily; ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
How important is it in calling our attention to these saints? All of whom lived hundreds
and even thousands of years ago? Paul proves that their lives and experiences still have meaning and value for
us today. God saw fit, to enshrine their names in His word and preserve a record of their character for posterity.
Jesus the Christ, the most important human ever, was the perfect son of God. He came to die for the sins
of the world and to reconcile mankind to God the Father! Romans 5:10, We are told, “For if, when we were
enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved
by His life?”
No other mortal can remotely compare to the blameless life Christ lived or the perfect example He set.
Hebrews 4: 15, we are reminded, “For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of
our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Our Lord is holy, righteous and
altogether perfect!
In the first chapter of Hebrews, we read of Christ being made better than the angles! Hebrews 1:4 - 6,
“Being made so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten You? And again, I
will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son? And again, when He brings in the first begotten into the
World, He saith, let all the angels of God worship Him.”
Since Jesus the Christ was the sinless and perfect Son of God, it is only logical that His life should stand
as a perpetual memorial of how all truly called Christians should live as begotten children of God, and that is
exactly what God’s word teaches!
Peter wrote in I Peter 2: 21, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us
an example, that you should follow His steps” (NKJ). John 2: 6 said, “He who, says he abides in Him, ought
himself also to walk just as He walked.” And again in Matt 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from
Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”'
No doubt some will respond: All these people were specially called and personally trained by God for a
great purpose. They were given divine gifts and abilities to do His work. But, here comes the excuses –“I’m
nobody, just an ordinary person with no extraordinary talents or notable achievements! What kind of legacy
could I leave that would be of any, real use to God or to my fellow man?”
This argument may sound plausible, but it doesn’t agree with what the Bible teaches.
For example, God's word often commends lay members for their outstanding character traits,
among them, courage, faith, service and sacrifice for the brethren! One such list is found in Romans 16:1 -15,
you might want to check those examples out!
We don’t have to be a superstar to be worthy of God’s recognition. What matters most is possessing a
heart that is sincere and right with God. Ask yourself? Am I laying my life down for others and serving in a
way that will cause my example to be remembered?
One of the most important responsibilities of one that’s been called– is to be a light and a witness to the
unconverted world. We are to glorify God and reflect the qualities of His way of life. Also, we are to leave a
memory that will convict the world when God intervenes to draw them to His truth and His laws for an abundant
life. This is particularly true of those who persecute God's people for their beliefs. Notice 'how' 1 Peter 2:11-12,
under scored this point: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war
against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the gentiles, that when they speak against you as
evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (NKV).
It’s amazing how these verses indicate that even after we have fulfilled our days on earth, our example
will be recalled by those who have persecuted us. How well do you withstand the slander and insults of your
detractors? Are you kind, patient, and forgiving? Do you express love and self-control, even when falsely
accused ? Will you leave a lasting imprint of how the truly called of God should act under any and all
circumstances ? We never know what future effect our actions may have on an enemy.
Leaving a legacy of good works for future generations is not accomplished with one heroic deed or an
occasional act of charity. It is achieved only through a life time of steady, faithful service and this demands
constant discipline. It means that we seize every opportunity to do good in helping others.
As one begin to respond to the leading of God's' Holy Spirit, one will take on the characteristics of Jesus,
the Christ and eventually will start resembling Him! 2 Corinthians 3:18, is found to be encouraging. “But we
all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the Glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image.
From glory to glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord.” Day by day and year by year, we should make it a goal
to build a good name for the glory of God.
If we do this through the power of God's Holy Spirit, we will be engraving a record in God’s book of life–
that will last forever. The ultimate purpose for living an honorable life is to prepare to be of value to God through
out eternity.
God has promised to give each of us a new name Rev 3: 11-12, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast
which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My
God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My
God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My New
Name”(NKJ).
This new name will not only represent the position we will have, but it will define the character we have
built in this life. For example, Abraham is called the friend of God in James 2:23, and the father of the faithful
in Gal 3: 7. Reading first James 2:23, “And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and
it was accounted to him for righteousness." and he was called the friend of God”(NKJ). Looking now at Gal
3:7, “Know you therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” No doubt these
character traits
will be incorporated into the persons new name as a son of God.
King David is described as a man after God’s own heart. “I have found David the son of Jesse,
a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfil all My will” (Acts 13:22). How will you be identified in God’s
kingdom ? What kind of trait or deeds will set you apart ? Will you be remembered as a loyal friend and trusted
servant and one who gave his life in service to others? The answer rests on how well you have fulfilled your
calling! And how diligently you have prepared for eternal life.
Thriving in the midst of life's storms is a
challenge. Notice Jeremiah17, how he faced
daily storms from the Amplified Bible “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their
hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots That reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they
never stop producing fruit” (Jer. 17:7-8).
All living today have found trials and troubles never seems to escape them. If you’ve been alive for long,
you’ve seen and experienced for yourselves a lot of difficulties and trials, some are our own doing and some are
simply a part of life and some may be completely unrelated to anything you or I might have done!
How one prepares for and respond to those challenging times can make all the difference in the world.
Do you just float along and deal with problems as they come? Do you dread trials and troubles, fearing them,
as a howling storm headed your way? Or do you understand that problems and troubles, like the setting sun, will
come? If so, you have prepared yourself properly: Building character; developing relationships; and drawing
close to God; cultivates that one-on-one time with the One who sustains everything by His very word!
If you do prepare for life’s storms, you will be like a majestic hardwood tree that stand strong and erect,
driving their roots deep into the soil, finding there living water far below the surface. It is a known fact that as
the wind blows against a tree, the tree responds by driving its roots deeper into the soil.
Because of their years of preparation, these trees can and will withstand the storms that will undoubtedly
come their way! Winds, rain, hail storms, ice storms, and lightning are all challenging forces. They may bend
over during their times of storms and trouble. They may sway, they may even lose branches, but if they are tied
into the very foundation that enables their strength, they will stand to see another sunny day and grow even
stronger from these storms, that prepares them for the next coming storm, that will certainly come.
Are we like that tree going deep in our relationship with God? Do we seek the “living water” that God
offers through His Son, Jesus the Christ? Are we tied into Him daily? Do we drink the nutrition that only He can
give us, that will strengthen us like only God can do?
When we do this, we will be prepared to not only withstand the challenges an d trials that come our way.
But we will thrive in the midst of life’s storms, and as we do so, we will not only grow stronger for the next
storm, but we will also be an encouragement to those around us who may not be preparing as they ought. So
we need to go deep, grow strong, and don’t fear. Become a everlasting monument? Like we see at Mount
Rushmore? Be remembered for having a fountain of God’s living water, living in us for all eternity as Christ
does !
These are some questions to ponder and think about
James Russell
CHURCH OF GOD, IN TRUTH P.O. BOX 1120 KIMBERLING CITY, MO 65686 USA
E-mail:cogit@flash.net Web page: postponements.com Telephone: 417-338-0033