The Welcome Well
Then Jacob continued on his journey and came to the land of the eastern peoples. There he saw a well in the open country. – Genesis 29:1-2a (NIV)
After manipulating his brother Esau out of the position, posterity and property of his birthright, Jacob is forced to flee the consequences of Esau’s wrath. Jacob’s departure from ancient Canaan was made even more urgent by his parents’ request that he find a bride among his native people living in Haran, an ancient city of Mesopotamia.
Carrying the moral burden of betraying his brother, and longing to connect with his kin, Jacob traversed the dry desert roads to Haran. When he arrived, Jacob knew exactly where to go: straight to the communal well, located in an open field.
At the communal well, Jacob received physical hydration for his depleted body and spiritual hydration for his weary soul. At the communal well, Jacob met his future wife, Rachel, and made kindred connections that would increase the family of faith for future generations. At the communal well, Jacob was led to a means to work out his soul salvation, allowing him to one day return to Canaan and face his brother with gifts of repentance. At the communal well, Jacob found inspiration and opportunity to walk in the faithful paths of his ancestors.
People today are still trying to make it through arid conditions with no spiritual hydration. People today are still moving but never arriving at a spot that is not plagued by guilt. People today are still searching desperately for acts of compassion and redemption.
We need more Welcome Wells in life’s dry places.
Prayer
Lord help my faith community be the river of life in death valley, and may all who come find a true welcome to soul satisfaction. Amen.
About the AuthorKenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Decatur, Georgia.