Two Rivers

One of my favourite passages in the Bible is found in the book of the prophet Ezekiel, chapter 47. The prophet is led by a guide who three times makes a specific measurement and leads him into water which is progressively ankle deep, knee deep and waist deep. A fourth time he measures and shows the man a river which is deep enough to swim in.

Like many biblical passages, there are many interpretations of this symbolism. Some writers focus on the progressive discovery of the deeper truths of God. Another interpretation I have read focuses on suffering and the surrender of self-control.

What the passage does demonstrate is that God’s ways are measured, directed and for our ultimate benefit. What I find interesting about this passage is that Ezekiel is shown the deep river but not plunged in up to his neck or over his head. He is gently taken back to the riverbank and his guide describes the river:

“47:9 Every living creature which swarms where the river flows will live; there will be many fish, for these waters flow there. It will become fresh and everything will live where the river flows. 47:10 Fishermen will stand beside it; from Engedi to En-eglaim they will spread nets. They will catch many kinds of fish, like the fish of the Great Sea. 47:11 But its swamps and its marshes will not become fresh; they will remain salty. 47:12 On both sides of the river’s banks, every kind of tree will grow for food. Their leaves will not wither nor will their fruit fail, but they will bear fruit every month, because their water source flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.”

We are told at the beginning of the chapter that this river has its source from the altar in the temple. What a wonderful, joyful description of not only a beautiful landscape but also the living, cleansing, nourishing Spirit of God.

In the last chapters of Revelation, we are given a description of what the New Jerusalem will look like, when the great tribulation on earth has finished and Christ has returned to claim his bride. This description includes, in chapter 21, an angel with a golden rod measuring the city. In the final chapter of the Bible we are given the description of a river which is similar to that found in Ezekiel:

“22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life – water as clear as crystal – pouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 22:2 flowing down the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month of the year. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations.”

Again, we have the wonderfully rich imagery of a physically beautiful landscape and the symbolism of energy, health, cleansing and abundance. The passages positively teem with life. Again, the source of all this is our God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

How wonderful to know Him - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

How wonderful to experience life with Him every day. For He has come, not to condemn, but to release us into abundant life with Him.

Praise God.