There was a lot of excitement in Yellowstone National Park last week when the Steamboat Geyser erupted for a number of hours, shooting scalding-hot water 300 feet into the air.
It was a dramatic picture, of course, that thrilled thousands and could be heard from a mile away.
But then it stopped.
Will it be another eight years before it erupts, like the previous lull? Or will it be 50 years as has happened according to local records?
It’s great when it happens and there are many “Wow!” remarks to be heard.
But the vast majority of the time, the geyser hole just sits there with perhaps a bit of vapor escaping now and then.
I was reminded of this news when reading my online devotional Bible this morning.
“Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)
I was encouraged by the fact that Jesus doesn’t call me to seek spiritual truth from a gospel geyser spewing loud religious proclamations great distances on very random occasions, but instead from the calm, bubbling fountain of biblical truth found in the Words of Christ.
Listen, if I’m thirsty, a bubbling fountain — even an unimpressive one that helps just one person at a time — is a lot more attractive to me than is a geyser that would harm anyone who got too close and can only provide sprinkles of refreshment whenever the water lands where I am.
Yes, it’s true that the gospel geysers who trumpet “I’ve got the anointing! I’ve got the anointing!” get the public attention by the media and in many religious circles.
But it’s the bubbling fountain that restores my soul, renews my spirit and equips me to bring refreshment to a thirsty world.
I’m sure that a bubbling fountain person in your past changed your world a whole lot more than a famous geyser.
And it’s still that way.
Please strive to be a bubbling fountain.
For somebody in your life is very thirsty and a geyser approach — if and when it happens — is not going to help them.
As always, I love you
Martin
