Zechariah 13:1: “In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.”
Observation: In that day. In what day? In the day of the Lord’s return. In that day He will make Jerusalem a heavy stone (Zechariah 12:3). In that day He will strike every horse with bewilderment and every rider with madness (12:4). In that day He will make clans of Judah like a flaming torch among sheaves (12:5). In that day He will defend Jerusalem (12:8). In that day prophets will be ashamed of their visions (13:4). In that day two-thirds of the people will die but one-third will live to be refined in His fire (13:8–9). In that day He will stand on the Mount of Olives and it will split in two forming a great valley as a way of escape (14:4). And in that day a fountain will be opened for sin and impurity (13:1).
Application: There are numerous other “in that day” phrases in Zechariah; each is profound and unique in all of recorded history. Taken together, the effect is overwhelming. My heart melts just reading these phrases and considering their implications. But none is more stirring, more hopeful, more filled with promise than 13:1: in that day a fountain will be opened for cleansing of sin and impurity.
How is that possible? Think of the great fountains of the world in Washington and London, in Paris and Rome, in Moscow and St. Petersburg. They cannot cleanse from sin and impurity. But this fountain is a “who.” The fountain of that day is the man Christ Jesus. I think of the powerful chorus by Dennis Jernagin: “There is a fountain who is the king! Victorious warrior and Lord of everything. My rock, my shelter, my very own. Blessed redeemer, who reigns upon the throne!” Beloved, this fountain exceeds all others in its majesty and power.This fountain is He who purifies and cleanses and makes all things ready.
Ready for what? Can I even remember? Has the purpose of the journey been forgotten in the busy-ness of life? I am being made ready for a wedding. His wedding. And you and I are the intended bride. Seek Him now while He may yet be found. Enter into His magnificent cleansing. Come under this fountain as a voluntary lover of God’s dear Son, and let Him overflow you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill me from the inside out. Let rivers of Your living water gush forth from me. I don’t want to be merely wet as in an outward baptism, but I want to be so cleansed, so purified, that You and I become one. I want to be so thoroughly “in You” that I can no longer be distinguished from You. Finish Your work in me, Lord. Let today be “that day” for me. I love You!