Lesson 359: "Water-Bearer"
While reading through the book of 2nd Kings, I came across something I had not taken careful notice of in the past. “He (meaning Elisha) used to pour water on the hands of Elijah” (2nd Kings 3:11). I knew that washing another’s feet meant being a humble servant but did not recall the scripture saying this about pouring water on the hands. In my mind I decided that pouring water simply meant that Elisha was Elijah’s servant and humbly walked in the shadow of the old prophet. Then it came together with that of an armor-bearer and I realized that Elisha was a water-bearer and he did the pouring because he was the one with the water. There was not much ado or reward in being a water-bearer but remember in the Lord’s work, rank and position are not nearly as important as being willing to serve wherever He places you, even if it is just to “pour water”.
Walter Peterson, chief water-bearer in the military, received the Medal of Honor for his services whereas many others go unnoticed and seemingly unrewarded. Distributing water beyond central water points to individual units is a transportation intensive program in the military. In addition to drinking water, they supply laundry water for the hospital which requires 28,000 gallons per day for a 400 bed evacuation hospital. They carry water to the soldiers, sailors, airman and marines plus allotments for civilian advisors and contractors. This allotment of water covers drinking, cooking, washing, hygiene and vehicle radiators. If your job for the Lord seems insignificant with no public attention, then you might very well be a water-bearer and most likely will never receive the Medal of Honor. God will reward you according to what you have done (Revelation 22:12) so whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
When Abraham sent his servant out to find a wife for Isaac and guess who he found? A water-bearer! “Drink, my lord”, she said (Genesis 24:18). David’s men broke through enemy lines to draw water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David (1st Chronicles 11:17-19) and although David offered the water to the Lord the water-bearers were credited (in God’s eyes) for bringing the sacrifice. God even used a brook to be the water-bearer for Elijah (1st Kings 17:4) but when He was ready for Elijah to move on the brook dried up (1st Kings 17:7). God will dry up “your brook” when there is someone for you to witness to just as with Elijah (1st Kings 17:10-16).
Jesus Christ is the ultimate Water-Bearer, the Fountain of life (Psalm 36:8-9) and with joy we may draw water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). He received no honor in His own hometown (Luke 4:24) and the only “medal/metal” He received was the spear that pierced His side and a sudden flow of water and blood poured out for the sins of the world (John 19:34). Jesus offered this living water to the woman at the well (John 4:10) and then to everyone (John 7:37-38) and has waiting for all who believe in Him, springs of living water (Revelation 7:17).
If you have been called to be a water-bearer then do not forsake God, The Spring of Living Water and try to build your own cisterns that are broken and cannot hold water (Jeremiah 2:13). There is no such thing as insignificant service for Christ. If you are called to pray, offer up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who can save (Hebrews 5:7). Be alert and stand with your jar filled with water/the Spirit so that you might pour water on the hands that reach out to you. God said He would never stop doing good to His people (Jeremiah 32:40) and we in turn should never stop doing good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).