Wading in the Deep Water

The prophet Ezekiel had a vision in which he saw the temple where the glory of God dwelt. As he walked around the House of God, water flowed from the building. The further he walked, the deeper the water became. Eventually, the water became a river that was so deep, he was forced to swim. 

Fruit-bearing trees lined the banks of the river. The fruit never failed. Their leaves never withered. Instead, the leaves were for healing.

This same imagery is repeated in the Revelation. It's a picture of the living water that flows from Christ Himself and represents the gospel of his sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection that demonstrated His power over sin and death.

The river of living water doesn't make a great ocean in the building, but it flows from the House of God outward. The good news of Christ was not meant to be contained in the church but to spread ever further. Like Ezekiel, we are to follow it as it flows, so that converts can become disciples.

The water gets gradually deeper. Matthew Henry wrote, "There are some places so shallow that a lamb may wade through them, and others so deep than an elephant may swim in them." 

When we begin our journey with Christ, we learn the simple, easy things. It is only when we have grown stronger in our faith that we can "swim in the deep" to learn the more difficult lessons of life. 

Ezekiel's vision is a vivid picture of our life of faith (at least the way our life of faith should be), ever moving through the world with the refreshment and healing of Christ, ever growing in depth.

I often forget that Ezekiel's vision was given to him at a time when he was a captive in exile in Babylon. His was not a comfortable, prosperous life. His life was hard and he was far from home. It should serve as a reminder that, no matter what our circumstances, we can still be a vital part of the work of God.

I read through the vision twice this morning and wondered how well my walk of faith demonstrates the river of life at work in the world around me. How well do I share the love of Christ? How well do I bring the healing only Christ can give to those who are sin-sick? How deep am I willing to go in my walk with Christ?

This week, let's do something bold and daring. Let's follow His river of love wherever it goes. Let's willingly go, gladly disciple.  Let's wade into the deep water with Christ.

"Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing." Ezekiel 47:12 nasb
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Adding the Prayer on Top

Here's the link to the prayer guide: The Prayer List 


Here's the link to my Global Outreach page: Leanna Hollis MD
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