November 22 | Isaiah 12: 1-6
- Michael Guastella
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Drawing Water from the Wells of Salvation
By Michael Guastella
I am big fan of coming up with parallels to help me understand something more tangibly. In this opening passage of Isiah (where we are immediately reminded of God’s anger towards us that quickly subsides and turns to comfort), I was almost tempted to draw a parallel to the frustration of a parent, growing angry with their child after they did something wrong. The child, sensing the anger of the parent, immediately begins the tears and the screaming, and the parent swoops into comfort mode. While that might make sense for a second or two, I think something much deeper is being explained here.
We aren’t children in need of a “time out” and God isn’t a tired parent. We are creation that has failed our Creator. We are faced with the reality here that we are all subject to the judgement of God, and that we, on our own, are forever short of His glory. His anger towards us isn’t harsh…it’s honest. Yet, the anger has “turned away” and has been substituted with comfort pretty much as quickly as it was mentioned in verse 1. The profundity of God’s anger being replaced with comfort cannot be overstated; that itself is the expression of God’s gift of Christ on the cross!
We are challenged here to receive this love, be thankful for this love, and to share this love with the world. We can say: God is MY salvation. I WILL trust and WILL NOT be afraid. Then, as beautiful as any parallel has ever been illustrated, verse 3 comes in to remind us “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” God’s love is for us so that we may live; as essential as water itself. Like a well, we must keep coming back to replenish ourselves with prayer, and worship, and repentance.
Then, as the love of God is our salvation and rejuvenates us, we will shout out our praise and let the whole world know! We are to accept the love, be humbled by it, and “make known among the nations what He has done.”
And it’s worth pointing out…. We are commanded to do these things! It doesn’t say, oh you know, you can take some water if you want, and then maybe tell some friends about it or something… It says you WILL draw the water from the well! It says you WILL say “give praise to the Lord” and make it known that He loves and forgives! Not very subtle, right? Not much wiggle room on what we're supposed to do there!
So let’s remember today, and always, that God’s love is right in front of us, that it is the most perfect and fulfilling gift that could ever be given. Let’s remember and be grateful that it’s real, it’s beautiful, and most importantly…it’s to share. Shout it out loud and make it known!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your love, which is a never-ending source of salvation. Thank you for being the well that never runs dry, and the source of all that is good. Keep our spirits fresh and let us proclaim your name without ceasing!
About the Author
MICHAEL GUASTELLA
I have been a Hilliard resident since 2022, and have lived in Columbus about 11 years. I am originally from the Cleveland area. I work in downtown Columbus as a government affairs consultant. My wife, Rachael, and I have been attending UALC since early 2024.