One of the most beautiful scenes of the Bible is described in Revelation 22:1-2. John was given a vision of the great River of Life that flows from the Throne of God and of the Lamb. This crystal clear river begins as a trickle from the Throne and then flows throughout the New Jerusalem to provide healing and life for all who live on its shores.
The green grass, beautiful flowers, trees and meadows along its banks can only be seen in the mind and heart of man for the present, but one day soon we shall all see it just as John has described. What a day that will be when we get to see Heaven’s glorious scenes for the first time. All the troubles and trials of this life will pass into nothingness when we see Jesus face to face!
We are given many pictures and symbolisms of the water of life that comes from this river. One of the greatest pictures of the power of that river is given to us in Ezekiel 47:1-5. Ezekiel has been down to the valley of dry bones, representing the dead spirituality of Israel as a nation. These dry bones also stand for every man who ever lived who did not have the life-giving flow of God in their lives.
When God asked Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?”, He was asking a question for which there was only one answer if we answer in the power and ability of man. The answer would have to be NO! But, in the power of the life giving River of God, these bones could not only live but they could become a mighty nation and able to do great things.
When we look a little further, we can see Jesus as he is waiting for the woman at the well who heard the words of Jesus (John 4:14). As the waters of that river flow, there is much that it will do those who will step into its water and wade out just a little bit deeper each day. Ezekiel saw the waters as they were only ankle deep as Jesus began to lead him into the unseen depths of the river.
Every Christian must step out into the water and begin to explore the things of God. As Christians mature in Christ and their relationship grows, they begin to wade out a little farther from the shore and a little farther until finally they are lost in the love of Jesus Christ and learn to live by faith. Too many people won’t go out into the deep water of relationship with Jesus because it requires a commitment of faith to believe that Jesus’ power will keep them afloat.
In these Scriptures in Ezekiel, we see how that Jesus has taken Ezekiel to the House of God, the Temple, and has revealed to him the source of the river that will flow out upon a dry and thirsty land to provide life for all it touches. The waters came out of the right side of the house and flowed from the south side of the altar.
What a wonderful type of the blood of Jesus Christ that flowed from His side on Calvary. The blood that began as a trickle, then became a flow that reached down and began to flow out from beneath the “Altar of Sacrifice of the Cross” to go down to the earth and flow over the souls of a sin darkened and lost world.
Praise the Lord, there is the real source of the Water of Life and of the River of God. Every provision for man’s need is met in the precious Blood of the Lamb who is slain from the foundation of the world. As the River of Life begins its journey through the heart of man there is so much that it does for us. Let’s look at some of these benefits...
The river brings us life! Look again at John 4:14. Those who choose to be washed in the Blood of the Lamb through repentance of sins and acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus and surrender their lives to Him will have this same well of living water springing up from within their own heart.
Why is this so? Because Jesus is the source of that River and He dwells in the heart of every believer to provide the ability to reach out to other people and have them washed in the Blood also. The Holy Spirit within each of us is the manifestation of that river of living water as He speaks through us, leads us and teaches us every day.
The river satisfies! Look at Psalms 63:1-5. David knew what it was to need God’s forgiveness and God’s blessing. He had failed God so many times and yet David’s heart longed for the peace and forgiveness that only the River of God would bring. Surely we live in a dry and thirsty land. Life in this desolate, sin-darkened world is hard and we must forever be on guard against the power of sin as it tries to invade our heart and bring the sentence of death upon us again and again.
If it were not for that constant flow and the power of the Blood of the Lamb as the River flows upon us, what chance would any of us have?
The river of God cleanses us! Every day, around the world, we see people as they use water to wash everything around them. Water has a cleansing power that is beneficial to all of us, but the cleansing power of the River of God goes far deeper than that of natural water.
Every event, every war, every birth and every death have been affected by His Blood. The river has washed upon the shore of every nation and every life. The Blood of Jesus is given that all men can experience its cleansing power.
The river of God cannot be stopped! It is a flood of God’s power to cleanse the world. Has the river washed you clean? Have you made a step into the water of His love? God wants to let the river flow in your heart today. Why don’t you open the doors of your heart and let the cleansing power of the Blood of the Lamb to wash over you? Swim out into the water of the River of God and experience the great salvation and peace that Jesus offers.
Scripture: Matthew 28:20; Joshua 1:9; Romans 8:38-39; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Revelation 3:20; Deuteronomy 31:6
Prayer: Dear Lord, I am calling upon you today for your divine guidance and help. I am in crisis and need a supporting hand to keep me on the right and just path. My heart is troubled but I will strive to keep it set on you, as your infinite wisdom will show me the right way to a just and right resolution. Thank you for hearing my prayer and for staying by my side. Amen!
May your day be blessed,
Adrienne
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