It was a beautiful fountain, the gift of a philanthropist to his native town. Many drank of its refreshing waters. An aged Christian gentleman, well known and beloved, whose failing strength forbade much active labor in the gospel, often rested there.
As opportunity was given, he spoke to those who lingered around the fountain of another fountain, even the fountain of the water of life.
A worldly lady came up while he rested there one day. After drinking a glass of water, she remarked how refreshing it was.
"Yes," responded the aged Christian, "but may I ask if you have drunk of the water of life?”
The lady colored, turned away her head, and walked off without saying a word. But his question followed her; she could not get rid of it.
A year passed, and the aged Christian was at a Bible conference in a distant city. He was asked to visit a lady who, being sick, was unable to attend the meetings and yet greatly desired to see him.
"You do not remember me," she said, as she grasped the hand of the man of God.
"I shall never forget the question you asked me that day by the drinking fountain. You asked―'Have you drunk of the water of life?' I knew I had not, and was very angry at your question. But that question followed me. It kept me company in worldly society, alone, by day and by night. At last I was brought to Jesus, and I can now sing with truth―
‘I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him.'
I thought I would like to tell you that your word was not in vain, that you might be encouraged to ask the same question of others, even though, like me, they give you no answer.”
That question, my friend, I ask of you.
Have you drunk of the water of life? I do not ask if you know there is such a thing, but have you drunk it? Is it in you? Does it satisfy you? If not, then clearly you have not drunk of it, for concerning all who have, Jesus says that they "shall never thirst.”
They need no other pleasure. They seek no other joy. They have Christ and, having Christ, they have the fountain of life, and the source of all satisfaction and pleasure.
Is He yours?