As the rain and snow

“Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. The Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife.  She said to her mistress, ‘Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy…’ 

“[Namaan’s] servants said to him, ‘My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said, “Wash, and be clean”?’ So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored, and he was clean.

“Then [Namaan] returned to the man of God… and said, ‘Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.’ But [Elisha] said, ‘As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.’ And he urged him to take it, but he refused…  

“When Naaman had gone.., Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, said, ‘I will run after him and get something from him.’ So Gehazi followed Naaman… and said, ‘My master has sent me to say,.. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’ And Naaman said, ‘Be pleased to accept two talents.’ And he put them in [his] house… Elisha said to him,.. ‘Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants?'” 2 Kings 5:1-3,13-16,19b-21,22b-24,26

Servanthood reveals true colors. Taken from her family and homeland, the little girl sought only the good of her Syrian mistress and her important husband. She eagerly convinced her of Elisha’s power to cure. Namaan’s personal servants, likely influenced by this young girl’s faith, boldly persuaded him to set aside his arrogant stubbornness and heed the prophet’s instructions to be cured. The bold confidence and other-centeredness of these unnamed servants turned the course of their master’s life and future.

No so with Gehazi, the named and privileged servant to Elisha. He’d had every advantage of serving in the shadow of this great prophet and witnessed God’s power through him in manifold ways. Yet, stroking self-importance and covetousness, which in turn stoked the embers of greed, he wanted more. Serving his own interests, he was undeterred by Elisha’s utter dependence on the Lord. After Elisha turned down the lucrative reward offered by the newly-healed Namaan, Gehazi sought it for himself. It was deserved, wasn’t it? If his master turned it down, didn’t he have the right to take it? (2 Kings 2:9; 3:14-18; 4:8-17,25-36,42-44)

Wherever we’re placed by God, we’re called to serve Him first, and to work for others as unto Him. How willing are we to stay in the background, open our hands, and serve and use our words for others’ benefit alone? Where has self snuck to the forefront and tickled our greed? After confessing, would we deliberately ask how we might serve for other’s gain and good? (Mark 10:45; Colossians 3:23)

Father, help me embrace every opportunity to serve others in Your name, for their good, and to Your glory. (John 3:30)

“But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and livestock with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.  The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, and the waters receded from the earth. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated, and… the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.” Genesis 8:1-4

“He spread a cloud for a covering,
    and fire to give light by night.
They asked, and he brought quail,
    and gave them bread from heaven in abundance.
He opened the rock, and water gushed out;
    it flowed through the desert like a river.
For he remembered his holy promise,
    and Abraham, his servant.

So he brought his people out with joy,
    his chosen ones with singing.
He gave them the lands of the nations,
    and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil,
that they might keep his statutes
    and observe his laws.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 105:39-45

Through years of obedient ark construction and days and weeks of rain, reeling in floodwaters, God watched over Noah and his family vigilantly. Through early traveling, settling, and building a family, and years of desert wandering and murmuring, then conquest of the promised land, God watched over the Israelites, from Abraham to multiplied millions. He remembered His love, His plan, His promises to His children. (Genesis 1:26-28; 12:1-3; Joshua 21:43-44)

When God remembers, we must not infer that He forgot. His remembering is an active, intricate fulfillment of all He is, has promised, and delights to do. He is never confused or unable to recall, but is infinitely perfect in omniscience and the ability to execute with precision every plan and purpose. (Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 14:24; 2 Corinthians 1:20)

Though life confronts us with times of destitution, when we wonder if He sees our helpless estate, understands our trouble, or has forgotten us altogether, God remembers. Calling this to mind brings hope, because His very nature to remember affirms we’re in His sight and heart constantly. When we are exhausted, spent from spending ourselves on others, giving to the last drop of energy, means, will, and mercy, He remembers. He neither overlooks nor forgets our love and work for the saints. (Psalm 42:6-11; 139:7-12; Galatians 6:9-10; Hebrews 6:10; 1 John 3:2)

What difference does God’s remembrance make in my fatigue, my morning and nightly outlook, my willingness to get up and obey, again? Whom can I encourage that he or she is deeply loved, known, and remembered by Jesus, and that all His good plans come to fruition? When God remembers, we hope, and keep on.

“Loved with everlasting love,
drawn by grace that love to know,
Spirit sent from Christ above,
thou dost witness it is so.
O this full and precious peace
from his presence all divine;
in a love that cannot cease,
I am his and he is mine.

His forever, only his–
who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart.
Heav’n and earth may fade and flee,
firstborn light in gloom decline,
but while God and I shall be,
I am his and he is mine.” ~Wade Robinson (1890)

Lord, help me remember that You remember, and live out my gratitude with unending joy.

“Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
    who greatly delights in his commandments!..
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
    he is gracious, merciful, and righteous…
For the righteous will never be moved;
    he will be remembered forever.
He is not afraid of bad news;
    his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
    until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever;
    his horn is exalted in honor.” Psalm 112:1,4,6-9

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10

Proper fear of God wards off improper, inordinate fear of man, events, and unknowns. Proper fear of God rises like light from a right understanding of who He is and the power He holds, and dispels the darkness of anxiety and dread. The God who rules over storms also rules over their aftermath. Fearing Him then guards our minds and emotions going forward, establishing them in spiritual wisdom and fixing them in certainty on what is above, not on earth. (Colossians 3:1-2)

“The Lord is high above all nations,
    and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the Lord our God,
    who is seated on high,
who looks far down
    on the heavens and the earth?” Psalm 113:4-6

“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
    at the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool of water,
    the flint into a spring of water.” Psalm 114:7-8

The drone of bad news in media and culture can mesmerize us by angst and despair. Fears of this, and that, and what-if make every sinister attempt to hold us in their grip. When we deliberately change our focus to fear God instead, and the music in our head from a drumbeat dirge of doom to delight in His attributes and promises, our outlook will change. When we look at adversaries of temptation, hardship, health, or a tenuous future through the lens of His triumph, we will grow in trust and make it contagious. (2 Timothy 4:18)

What unsteadies us and causes fear in our day to day? An exorbitant expense or unexpected diagnosis? The threat of natural, national, or international disaster? Do we recognize how the input we absorb is both smart and successful at dictating thought-links and fomenting irrational responses of fear and anger? What would change within me if I changed my input, and for a day, or days, ingested only God’s true word, allowing it a long soak into my heart? How could emotional frenzy be calmed if I put to memory for ready recall some verses or passages on hope? Would I humbly revere the omnipotent God who transcends every care, and turn each anxious impulse to thankful, expectant prayer and meditation on what is true and lofty? (Philippians 4:6-8)

Fearing God and nothing else is obeying God. He enables us to do all He commands by providing His presence and Spirit. To fear and trust Him only is to honor His power and name. (Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 1:7)

Lord, may I ever fear You and steadily trust Your supremacy over all, and so bring You the glory You deserve.

“To Timothy, my beloved child:

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

“I thank God whom I serve,.. as I remember you constantly in my prayers. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother and mother and now dwells in you… Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

“Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling… because of his own purpose and grace… Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

“My child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also… Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker… rightly handling the word of truth… Be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

“You have followed my teaching, conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, persecutions and sufferings… Continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and… the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:2-9,13-14; 2:1-2,15,21; 3:10-11a,14-15

As he awaited execution in a Roman jail, Paul penned his final letter with a vision of holy calling and the ink of affection. Having been abandoned by several for their fear of persecution, he commended his spiritual son Timothy to continue in and pass on the same holy calling he’d received and exercised so faithfully. There is nothing quite like the endorsement, encouragement, and benediction of one you respect and love. (2 Timothy 1:15)

How carefully am I carrying out my holy calling from God? Assigned my specific location, personality, talents, and resources, my calling is distinct from anyone else’s. Do I spend useless time comparing, criticizing, or procrastinating? Or will I eagerly set about to do the works my Lord has specifically prepared for me to do? How willingly and energetically do I fight the good fight, regardless of opposition? (Acts 17:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Timothy 4:7)

And as I go about my calling, whom am I encouraging in theirs? Am I so focused on my task that I fail to see the bigger picture, the wide scope of kingdom work beyond mine and workers who will outlive me? Am I so bent on accomplishing my goals that I neglect the training and building up that multiplies God’s work? Who can I take under my wing and commend unto every good deed for Christ today?

Father, keep me faithful to the end, grateful for those who have gone before me, and generously urging others beside and behind. May I execute every aspect of Your holy call with faith, excellence, and faithfulness, to Your glory and praise.

“In the third year of [Jehoiakim‘s] reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it… The king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some people of Israel, of the royal family and the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. [He] assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time to stand before the king. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah… 

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. He asked the chief to allow him not to defile himself… As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom… The king spoke with them, and among them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah… In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.”

“Certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews… Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought… and said, ‘Is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? If you are ready when you hear the… music to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace…’

“[They] answered, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar,.. if this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand. But if not, be it known, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’” Daniel 1:1,3-6,8-9,17,19-20; 3:8,13-18

Daniel and his friends were disrupted in life, but never in faith. In fact, the more changes and challenges of location, authority, and culture they encountered, the more steadfast their resolve to honor their Lord. To every command or question, they replied with respect, prudence, discretion, and courage. They excelled in education but not corruption, resisting temptation to serve any false god. They were attentive, measured, and calm against the frenzied caprice of the king. Their secret? Staying spiritually above the fray of Babylon through consistent prayer, engagement with fellow believers, and earnest commitment to praise God. Their dependence on His might and sovereignty armed them with holy boldness and peace in tumult. (Daniel 2:5,14-28, 36-38,45-48; 4:19-27)

When we face threats, disturbances, and temptations, we can be easily shaken or stand high on solid ground. Have we lost our footing, or fellowship? What practical adjustments in focus and time expenditure would remind us who God is, and return our confidence, identity, and security to Him?

While Nebuchadnezzar finally acknowledged God as supreme, there’s no guarantee our faithfulness will yield such results in others. We can be sure we will know Him as supreme. He will honor our obedience and deliver us from fear. (Psalm 34:4; Daniel 4:34-37)

Lord, no matter what Babylon offers, keep me steadfast and immovable in You, and for Your praise. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

“They made a calf in Horeb
    and worshiped a metal image.
They exchanged the glory of God
    for the image of an ox that eats grass.
They forgot God, their Savior,
    who had done great things in Egypt,
wondrous works in the land of Ham,
    and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
Therefore he said he would destroy them—
    had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach before him,
    to turn away his wrath from destroying them.

Then they despised the pleasant land...
They murmured in their tents,
    and did not obey the voice of the Lord.
Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them
    that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
and would make their offspring fall among the nations,
    scattering them among the lands.

Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor,
    and ate sacrifices offered to the dead;
they provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds,
    and a plague broke out among them.
Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
    and the plague was stayed.
And that was counted to him as righteousness
    from generation to generation forever…

Many times he delivered them,
    but they were rebellious in their purposes
    and were brought low through their iniquity.

Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress,
    when he heard their cry.
For their sake he remembered his covenant,
    and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
He caused them to be pitied
    by all those who held them captive.

Save us, O Lord our God,
    and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
    and glory in your praise.” Psalm 106:19-31,43-47

Moses, then Phineas, boldly interceded for their (and God’s) rebellious people. Armed with righteous anger layered with compassionate love layered with zeal for God’s honor and Name, they stood in the gap between the fickle rebels they served and the gracious God who alone could save. (Exodus 32:4-10; Numbers 25:1-13; Deuteronomy 9:13-21)

In choosing independent lives, a number of excuses keep us from getting involved with those on a precipice of need or futility. Annoyance at repeated failure or interruption callouses our hearts. Fear for security driven by uncertain income bends our bent of wanting to share toward self protection. Impatience at ingratitude and disdain for ongoing foolishness convince us it is not worth making the effort. We justify weak wills, borne of self-interest and soft living, with too much ease.

But Jesus Christ, as perfect Intermediary, stood in the breach for us. Absent frustration or arrogance, revenge or malice or greed, He emptied Himself of all but love to make the way for us to escape certain judgment. By His death we can have life, by His wounds we can be healed. Therefore, how can we not seek and seize every opportunity to intervene on behalf of others? (Isaiah 53:4-6; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:3-8)

Do we dismiss with disdain the idol-worshipers and murmurers among us? Have we forgotten the majesty of Christ’s generosity toward us? With whom would we today plant ourselves between despair and hope, death and life, to intercede in earnest, passionate prayer and ministry?

Lord, help me stand and intervene for others with the love and mercy with which You have done so for me.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive… your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

“We give thanks.., remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but in power and the Holy Spirit and with full conviction… You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you.., but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere.”

“We had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel in the midst of much conflict… not to please man, but to please God… We were ready to share with you not only the gospel but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. Remember our labor and toil: we worked night and day… while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God… When you received the word,.. you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. ” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5a,6-8; 2:2,4,8-9,13b

Once Paul was gripped by the Lord, his goal was to make His life-changing gospel known. His spoken word and clear witness of faithful, loving, industrious effort resulted in wide-sweeping transformation around the Mediterranean. The gospel works its way into and through those who receive its truth and power. (Acts 9:3-16)

How readily do I speak about Jesus, and give witness to His example of engaged listening, selfless love, and patience? How zealously do I pursue those ripe for hope and significance? How willing am I to work hard so as not to be a burden, and to speak boldly of the Savior who gives purpose and eternal security?

Reluctant or timid? Pray! Ask for holy boldness in open doors to speak with clarity, and in every opportunity to serve with perseverance and model consistent faith in hardship. Ask that the gospel have full spiritual effect in souls, and communities. (Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 3:11-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-13)

What examples of faith in action have inspired stronger faith and compelled bolder action in me? The men who challenge each other to share the gospel with one person a week? The woman who lost her home and has offered its salvageable contents, saying, “It was built to share, why not share in its final days?” The friend coming to grips with a sobering diagnosis, thanking God for every day of opportunity?

How might we exercise more creative service, more compassionate ministry, more courageous proclamation of the gospel? We never know who is observing our obedience, generosity, and love. But we can know, if we work as unto the Lord, He will work in glorious ways to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Lord, engage all my faculties to proclaim and exemplify Your gospel. Have Your way with me, Your word, and the witness of Your children, to fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by Your power and for Your glory. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

“Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.” Acts 15:37-39

“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” Colossians 4:10-11

Mark had changed. Having been mentored by his steady, optimistic, servant-minded, encourager cousin Barnabas, Mark had obviously matured in Christ. Through growing surrender to God, and tangible experience along their mission travels, he’d tested and approved God’s direction, enabling, and will. His Redeemer had transformed him from Paul’s craw into a comfort. (Romans 12:1-2)

Paul had also changed, chiseled and molded by the harsh tumble of suffering, injustice, and opposition. He had become more gracious, willing to strive and work with others’ weaknesses toward spiritual growth. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Philemon 10-20)

In Christ, we never stay the same. Sanctification is a dynamic process by which the Spirit continually transforms, refines, and shapes our every aspect to be like Christ. It bears growth in personal character and the willingness to extend grace, acceptance, forgiveness, and love to others because of all Christ exhibited toward us. (Romans 15:1-3; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:32)

How am I changing? Have I settled in to irritations that make me cantankerous and unappealing, or that prevent me from seeing the good and building up the potential in someone else? Do I dismiss someone with whom I find few commonalities with impatient repulsion, or ask God to open possibilities? Where am I exhibiting more patience, graciousness, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, courtesy, compassion, self-control? How have I become a better listener, lover, servant, helper, encourager, communicator, steward of resources?

How entrenched am I in idiosyncrasies and habits that can be off-putting or irritating to others? Do I distract from their seeing Jesus by foolish antics or unsavory talk? While being overly self-conscious isn’t a healthy preoccupation, it’s important that we’re self aware enough to know how we come across. We’re to put off old ways and put on Christ and spread His fragrance in this acrid world. What in my countenance or behavior would draw another to Jesus? Are my words a constant drone of complaint and negativities, or of upbuilding and gratitude? In what specific areas do I need the Lord’s mighty touch and transformation? (2 Corinthians 2:14-16; Colossians 3:5-17)

Good Father, extricate any vestige of craw from my attitude and actions, and help me do all I can to be a palpable comfort instead. Help me see others with Your loving and merciful eyes and embrace them with your generous heart, that we all grow up into the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-14)

“When you allot the land as an inheritance, you shall set apart for the Lord a portion of the land as a holy district, 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits broad. It shall be holy throughout its whole extent…

“Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and execute justice and righteousness…

“You shall have just balances, a just ephah, and a just bath^. The ephah and the bath shall be of the same measure, the bath containing one tenth of a homer, and the ephah one tenth of a homer; the homer shall be the standard measure. The shekel shall be twenty gerahs; twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels shall be your mina.

“This is the offering that you shall make: one sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat, and one sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley, and as the fixed portion of oil, measured in baths, one tenth of a bath from each cor (the cor, like the homer, contains ten baths). And one sheep from every flock of two hundred, from the watering places of Israel for grain offering, burnt offering, and peace offerings, to make atonement for them, declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 45:1,9-15

In Ezekiel’s prophetic vision of the temple, the Lord imparted specific illustrations and instructions regarding the new temple and worship surrounding it. Led by the Spirit, Ezekiel recorded explicit descriptions of what he saw and heard to impart God’s message to the house of Israel. Order, beauty, and just measure carried peace and hope for this rebellious nation in bleak times. (Ezekiel 40:1-4; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

The Lord almighty is precise in every way, instructing and working and loving in perfect measure. No word He speaks falls empty or returns void, no time He spends is frivolous, no blood He spilled was wasted. Where He prescribes for man exact measures for practical uses and priestly services, they point to the exquisite, perfect measure of His love and grace toward His own. (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

In His holy economy, God cares about how we treat and deal with those among us. He calls us to be fair and just, and even generous in stewardship of resources. The practical measures in how we interact with and treat others is an indication of the higher interest we exhibit spiritually. Humanity’s best pales in comparison to having the mind of Christ and exhibiting His character and generosity. (Deuteronomy 25:15; Luke 6:38; Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:3-4).

How well do we measure in comparison to His perfect standard? Are we scant or lavish in worship? Do we skimp on love and mercy with those in our households? Are we cheap against fair wages, do we cut corners in honesty, or do we take unfair advantage of others at work, in commerce?

How we deal with others on earth is a reflection of our understanding of how Christ has dealt with us in heaven. When we fail to accept His full pardon and rest in the lavish sufficiency of His love, we will treat others out of the dearth and insecurity we carry. Resentment, greed, and fear unsettle God’s quantity of grace in any interaction.

Lord, fill me to full measure with the bounty You’d have me share, that Your perfection and sufficiency are magnified.

“He brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east… The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side.

“Going 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, ‘Have you seen this?’

“Then he led me back to the bank of the river.  As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. And he said, ‘This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down… 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… 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 47:1-9,12

Water issued from the temple. Ezekiel would see that as he followed flowing flood and fresh fruit, he needed to remember the initial source. Trickle to ankle, knee-deep to waist-deep to swim-deep, this sanctuary water was running its course to sanctify all who would see and be filled.

How kind of the Lord to stand with us at the door of His temple, to greet us in His sanctuary and lead us to behold His work. How good of the Lord to measure His flow in our lives, and give gradually more as we can handle it, expanding faith and perspective. How merciful of the Lord to take us aside for protection when the depth of circumstance is too heavy for navigating and current too forceful for passing through. It is there He explains that His purposes are redemptive, His outcomes glorious. We must remain in the fresh water from the Sanctuary. (Ezekiel 11:16b; 37:27)

Is there an ugly flood that’s disrupted life as we know it: a death, a slammed door, a choking new debilitation, a raging temptation? Have we strayed from the Source of fresh, life-giving water? What will we change to drink and wade deeply from Jesus again?

Father, sanctify me. May Your life-giving Spirit flow into and through me to produce rich spiritual fruit and well up in glory to You.