Wherever the River Goes

“Then he brought me to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar... Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep.  Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through…

“And he said to me, ‘This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh.  And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. Fishermen will stand beside the sea. From Engedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea... And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.’” Ezekiel 47:1,3-5,8-10,12

The River of Christ’s living water is vital, active, and makes a lasting difference. It is life-cleansing and life-giving. Whether in our individual lives, or our communities, water that flows from God’s temple is powerful and always makes and has its wondrous way. (John 4:14)

Personally, the Spirit leads me to dip, wade, walk, and swim in Him, with Him. All that flows from the temple of Jesus’s presence, and my presence there, shapes a conduit for His life in me. I begin, I learn, I grow as I keep going deeper with Him. The farther I go, the more I’m filled with His life.

How deep am I willing to be led in the river of God’s delights? Do I stop at first damp or douse and get on my way, or take time to get soaked and filled? It takes vulnerability and surrender to Him, attention away from other pursuits and distractions to concentrate on His words and attributes, and allow them to sweeten me and prepare me for fruit.

Living water issuing from Christ in His people has great effect on the world, invigorating and soothing, drawing others to its power, satisfying many with its fresh supply. As His vessels, how effectively are we growing and offering the fruit His Spirit? Where and to whom are we pouring His words of life, His balm of mercy and forgiveness? (John 7:37-39; Galatians 5:22-23)

Lord Jesus, take me deep with You. Flow into and through me as the truest of refreshment in a thirsty world.