There is a Fountain Filled With Blood

In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness. Zechariah 13:1

A fountain--filled with what? For someone who doesn't know the gospel, the imagery of this beloved hymn would be totally confusing. The fountain here is not a refreshing water one which washes sweat and dirt away or gives that cool spring water that quenches our thirst on a hot summer day. It's filled with blood and it washes away the guilty stains of sin. Hallelujah.

Only someone who knew Jesus could write these words. It's obvious that the one who penned this week's hymn knew the deep truths of the precious gospel that we love so much. God used this dear man, William Cowper, even though he struggled with depression all of his life. In fact, Mr. Cowper found Christ as he was reading his Bible while being confined in a mental institution.

A close friend of John Newton, Cowper lived in Olney, England for a good part of his life, writing precious hymns, and this was one of them. It's blessed many a saint for many years and yours truly is one of them. That's because I'm one of the many who rejoice in the atonement of a Savior who "washed all my sins away." Again, Hallelujah.

Charles Spurgeon loved this hymn so much that a portion of it is inscribed on his tomb. So, troubled as he may have been, Cowper was used mightily by God. If you're a person who often struggles with emotional turmoil, take courage in knowing that the Lord can use even His weakest children. You, too, may be able to say a word or two in season that will serve to help other pilgrims on their journey.

Read more about this cherished hymn at SermonAudio.com.

There is a fountain filled with blood

Drawn from Emmanuel's veins,

And sinners plunged beneath that flood,

Lose all their guilty stains,

Lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners plunged beneath that flood,

Lose all their guilty stains.

~ William Cowper