If the “upper springs” speak of our connection with our risen Head and our enjoyment of heavenly things, then the “nether springs” are the power to walk for God’s glory while still here below. It is true that, positionally, He, “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:66And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6)). But practically, we are still here in this world, dealing with the enemy, and all the hindrances and distractions that plague and harass us from day to day. Thence, we need the power and refreshment of the Spirit of God, for our Christian path, moment by moment. The divine life has no power of itself; the power for the new life, is the Spirit. We are exhorted, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:2525If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)).
Another type used as a figure of the Spirit is oil. We read in Deuteronomy 33:24-2524And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil. 25Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. (Deuteronomy 33:24‑25), “Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil. Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” Children would speak of fruit. Acceptability would speak of service in fellowship with our brethren. Dipping our foot in oil would teach us of a walk in the power of the Spirit. Shoes would speak of a walk of separation from the world, as we walk through the world. As we noted earlier in our meditation, iron tells of power, and brass of endurance.
How much we need the “upper springs and the nether springs,” if there is to be an enjoyment of heavenly, spiritual things, as well as power and endurance, fruit and testimony.
Springs in the desert,
The valleys and hills,
Springs of refreshment,
The Spirit distills.
Flowing from Jesus,
Who died on the tree,
Who now is risen,
And living for me.
Springs, blessed springs,
Sent down from above,
Quenching my thirst,
With His goodness and love.
Spring for my blessing,
From which I can drink,
Rivers to swim in,
Yet never to sink.
With Achsah, faith asked for much, and faith received much!