In the Jordan Valley, rich with fields of grain and forests of fruit-bearing trees, the hosts of Israel had encamped after crossing the Jordan. Before them had stood Jericho, the center of the worship of Ashtoreth, vilest of all Canaanitish forms of idolatry. Soon its walls were thrown down, and at the time of its fall the solemn declaration was made: “Cursed be the man before the Lord that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.” Joshua 6:26.
(SS 123.1)
Five centuries passed. The spot lay desolate, accursed of God. Even the springs suffered the blighting effects of the curse. But when through Jezebel’s influence the worship of Ashtoreth was revived, Jericho, the ancient seat of this worship, was rebuilt, though at a fearful cost to the builder. Hiel the Bethelite “laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his first-born, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord.” 1 Kings 16:34.
(SS 123.2)
Not far from Jericho was one of the schools of the prophets, and thither Elisha went after the ascension of Elijah. During his sojourn among them the men of the city came to him and said, “The situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is nought, and the ground barren.” The spring that had been pure and life-giving was now unfit for use. In response Elisha said, “Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein.” Having received this, “he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.” 2 Kings 2:19-21.
(SS 123.3)
The healing of the waters of Jericho was accomplished by the miraculous interposition of God. He who “maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust,” saw fit to reveal, through this token of compassion, His willingness to heal Israel of their spiritual maladies. Matthew 5:45.
(SS 124.1)
The restoration was permanent. From age to age the waters have flowed on, making that portion of the valley an oasis of beauty.
(SS 124.2)
In casting salt into the bitter spring, Elisha taught the same spiritual lesson imparted centuries later by the Saviour when He declared, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13. Salt mingling with the polluted spring purified its waters. When God compares His children to salt, He would teach them that His purpose is that they may become agents in saving others, that through them the world might receive the grace that brings salvation.
(SS 124.3)
The world needs evidences of sincere Christianity. The poison of sin is at work at the heart of society. Cities and towns are steeped in moral corruption, suffering, and iniquity. Souls in poverty and distress are weighed down with guilt and perishing for want of a saving influence. The gospel of truth is kept before them, yet they perish because those who should be a savor of life to them are a savor of death. Their souls drink in bitterness because the springs are poisoned.
(SS 124.4)
Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is added; it must penetrate, infuse it, that it may be preserved. So through personal association men are reached by the saving power of the gospel. Personal influence is a power to work with the influence of Christ, to lift where Christ lifts, to impart correct principles, and to stay the progress of the world’s corruption. It is to uplift, to sweeten the lives of others by a pure example united with faith and love.
(SS 124.5)
The polluted stream at Jericho represents the soul that is separate from God. Sin destroys in the human soul both the desire and the capacity for knowing Him. The whole human organism is deranged, the mind perverted, the imagination corrupted. For want of moral force to overcome, the soul is debased.
(SS 125.1)
To the heart that has become purified, all is changed. The Spirit of God produces a new life in the soul, bringing the thoughts and desires into obedience to the will of Christ; and the inward man is renewed in the image of God. Weak and erring men and women show to the world that the redeeming power of grace can cause the faulty character to develop into symmetry and fruitfulness.
(SS 125.2)
The heart that receives the word of God is not like a broken cistern that loses it treasure; it is like the mountain stream, fed by unfailing springs, whose sparkling waters refresh the weary, the thirsty, the heavy-laden. It is like a river constantly flowing and, as it advances, becoming deeper and wider, until its life-giving waters are spread over all the earth. The stream leaves behind its gift of fruitfulness. When the earth lies bare and brown under summer’s scorching heat, a line of verdure marks the river’s course.
(SS 125.3)
So with the true child of God. When the heart is opened to the heavenly influence of truth and love, these principles will flow forth like streams in the desert, causing fruitfulness to appear where now are barrenness and dearth.
(SS 125.4)
Those who have been cleansed through a knowledge of Bible truth will daily drink of the inexhaustible fountain of grace and knowledge. They will find that their own hearts are filled to overflowing with the Spirit of their Master; and through their unselfish ministry many are benefited physically, mentally, and spiritually. The weary are refreshed, the sick restored to health, and the sin-burdened relieved.
(SS 125.5)
“Give, and it shall be given unto you”; for the word of God is “a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.” Luke 6:38; Song of Solomon 4:15.
(SS 126.1)