April 11 – Free From the Waterless Pit

An intriguing, arresting word comes to us in Cor Unum from the book of Zechariah.

“As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you, I have set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; this very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:11, 12)

This is an unusual chapter to us, and many things are not apparent at first glance, but we see things we need to see. People are being set free from the pits where they have been imprisoned, without water, without hope. We see a stronghold, a safe place, where those who have hoped will be protected.

Monastics choose the desert of cloistered life and the stronghold of their vows, but these do not guarantee living water or protection from evil or sin. Those who make themselves prisoners of hope, however, will receive “the double” from God Almighty.

Much has been written about this “double.” Benjamin received a double portion when Joseph served his brothers in Egypt. Hannah was given a double portion by her husband, Elkannah. Isaiah wrote of those who will receive a double portion instead of shame and humiliation.

Some sources say that the double portion was the folding of the certificate of debt, marking “paid in full” on the outside and delivering it back as a receipt of liberty.

To us, a double portion can be anything that God gives back, made new. A marriage, not only NOT DESTROYED, but revived. A child, not only NOT LOST, but walking in newness of life.

Whatever it is, we want it. Let’s start with what we understand, and be sure that we in Cor Unum are becoming “prisoners of hope.”



"A Well in the Desert"
photo by Kerry