Fountain Of Youth
This is a concept that appeals to aging folks more each year as they see & feel the youthful vigor "slip - sliding away". The Fountain of Youth – F.O.Y. -- is a spring & pool of water that restores the youth of anyone who bathes in or drinks of it. Such legends go back at least 2500 years to one Herodotus “Father of History” a Greek historian. It is said that the Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon was searching for the F.O.Y. when he discovered Florida around 1513. And there is a natural spring in St. Augustine, Florida (oldest U.S. city), which draws tourists for over 100 years, folks say it is the F.O.Y. Ponce de Leon discovered.
At any rate, aging is obviously a HUGE problem & people will entertain themselves with myths to be cheered up. Mark Twain with his dry sense of humor later in his life reflected that “Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18.” (Mark Twain Quotes, Brainyquotes.com) And how about the billboard ads by plastic surgeons – “Aging is Optional”?? *
As a student of the Bible, I find hints of the Fountain of Youth & healing waters. Isaiah 58:11 KJV “the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones and thou shalt be like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Jesus did send a blind man to the “pool of Siloam” for healing of his eyes in John 9:5-7. And even though Jesus did say, “I am the bread of life . . .” John 6:35, “I am the door . . .” John 10:9, “I am the way . . .” John 14:6, “I am the vine . . .” John 15:5. He did not say “I am the Fountain of Youth.” But it’s obvious that followers of Christ generally live longer with less health compromises like premature aging from hard & stressful living. I recently worked with an 82-year-old Christian auto mechanic who “danced” all around, and under the car we paid him to fix. I could barely keep up even though I’m about 20 years younger. But the Fountain of Youth is supposed to RESTORE youth, not just extend life.
So, is there a real Fountain of Youth? I believe there is, and we find it in that supernatural land called Heaven. In the gospels Jesus spoke much of Heaven, so the existence of the place rests on the integrity of the scriptures & Christ’s integrity – did He tell lies or the truth? And one of the very interesting features of Heaven is a RIVER that starts small flowing from the temple, then expands greatly as it flows toward the east. Ezekiel 47 This is the real Fountain of Youth. Then this same RIVER is described in the New Testament in Revelation 22:1. It’s the “River of water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God. . .” Trees & fruit are mentioned both places. Now there are current books written by folks who have had a glimpse of Heaven. One is by a Rebecca Springer who writes of going down into the “river” to experience supernatural water & some of its properties. (Chapter one “Within Heaven’s Gates” 1984 acquire thru Amazon.com) She also writes of seeing previously departed relatives who were YOUNG in Heaven. I personally had a “glimpse” of my 2-year departed 79 yr. old mother who was YOUNG there (and exuberant with joy & peace). Then “Beyond Death’s Door” 1978 by Maurice Rawlings, MD also has powerful glimpses of Heaven. (See also “Near Death Experiences”, link 105).
Well, I realize the concept & finding the Fountain of Youth has been a laughing matter for folks. And if Heaven is the place we find it, there is still the problem of having to die to get there. But we all have to die anyway. Why not die with HOPE and a sure promise of seeing Heaven and the Fountain of Youth?? Jesus made it clear for us (and paid the price). “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 KJV Choose Jesus, He is Alive. And look forward to swimming in the real F.O.Y. See also “Old Age” link 63.
* "The closest thing (in this world) to the F.O.Y. is physical exercise." Stanton University professor.
Many other Titles: www.gospelnotes.org * * Fred J. Stone * *
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