The Mighty River of God

In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 47, we find that God has given him a vision of the restored temple. He’s writing from exile in Babylon, and the original temple had been destroyed long ago. In this vision, he describes a trickle of water, running down out of the sanctuary. The trickle grows into a stream, then eventually into a great river that can’t be crossed.

All along the river, we see a great many trees, trees that provide shade and that bear fruit, not just every year, but every month! And it says the leaves of the trees are good for healing. It is promised further, wherever this river goes, all throughout the desert, every living creature will live. There will be fish, many kinds and varieties.

Nothing is left out. There is fruit and fish for food, and trees and leaves for shade, healing, and health, water for drinking. And everywhere the river goes, life just thrives.

Ezekiel’s vision is a vision of salvation. God’s healing Spirit pouring out of the sanctuary.

Richard Foster captures the essence of this scripture in a letter he once wrote: “The River of God is (still) flowing today. No one can stop it, and no one can contain it. It is a deep River of divine intimacy, a powerful River of holy living, a dancing River of jubilation in the Spirit, and a wide River of unconditional love for all peoples. And the promise is that everything the River touches will live! Oh my friend, may I urge you… to step into the flow of this mighty River of God… and then determine never to step out…

Let us pray: Pour out your Spirit on us this day, O God. May we be caught up in your saving, healing waters of love and grace. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.