Ezekiel
Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar. Ezekiel 47:1
If you saw water flowing under the threshold of your house, your heart would sink with the thought of all the damage it had done. But this water flowing from the temple was a most glorious picture of the grace of God in Christ flowing out to the world. It is the water of life, the gospel of Christ’s redeeming sacrifice on the cross. “And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live.” This water of life flowing from the temple causes trees and plants to grow and flourish just as the gospel gives life and causes hearts to flourish.
The interesting thing about this river flowing from the temple is that it keeps increasing the farther it flows, without any new tributaries flowing into it. It grows of itself.
The gospel began as a trickle, taught by one man, Jesus Christ Himself. It grew as the twelve apostles were sent out proclaiming the message of salvation in Christ wherever they went, giving life, grace and peace. As the Spirit entered hearts through the gospel, “rivers of living water” began to flow from their hearts and they proclaimed the gospel to their friends and neighbours. Today the river of life flows to every nation under heaven. Think about the path this river of life took to reach you. As you flourish under the gospel may you keep the river flowing for others. Proclaim the Good News of Salvation to all and support the spread of the gospel in distant lands.
Dear Father, we thank you for Your amazing grace that has refreshed our hearts with the water of life. May we continue to spread your gospel that it may bring life to those who hear. Amen