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...when the water flows into the [Dead Sea], the water will become fresh [will be healed].
—Ezekiel 47:5
But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
—Amos 5:24
“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
—Matthew 10:42
...for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
—2 Corinthians 8:1-2
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
—2 Corinthians 9:12
The idea of a flood often carries negative emotions. But, instead of images of wild and turbulent and destructive waters, we can also think of the quiet yet irresistible flow of a great river.
In ancient Egypt, the annual flooding of the Nile river banks brought life. It not only provided nutrient-rich silt to fertilize the soil, it diluted the salinity that accumulated from irrigation and evaporation.
One of the visions of Ezekiel depicts a trickle of water flowing from the temple that grows as it flows, becoming a mighty river that could not be crossed. But the mighty flow brings life instead of destruction, healing even the waters of the Dead Sea, and watering fruitful trees on the river's banks.
That imagery provides a rich background for considering the teaching of Jesus by the well at Sychar: a drink of His “water of life” becomes a flowing spring that continues to provide life. The healings that Jesus performed both show His compassion and make visible the spiritual healing and life that He brought.
The flow of the mightiest river at flood stage grew from individual raindrops. In the same way, the mighty river of justice and righteousness and compassion grows from the actions of those who are led by the Lord. Generosity and service overflow to make visible the grace and unfailing love of the One who sits enthroned over the flood.
Becoming the Flood
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
—Psalm 29:10
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...when the water flows into the [Dead Sea], the water will become fresh [will be healed].
—Ezekiel 47:5
But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
—Amos 5:24
“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
—Matthew 10:42
...for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
—2 Corinthians 8:1-2
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
—2 Corinthians 9:12
The idea of a flood often carries negative emotions. But, instead of images of wild and turbulent and destructive waters, we can also think of the quiet yet irresistible flow of a great river.
In ancient Egypt, the annual flooding of the Nile river banks brought life. It not only provided nutrient-rich silt to fertilize the soil, it diluted the salinity that accumulated from irrigation and evaporation.
One of the visions of Ezekiel depicts a trickle of water flowing from the temple that grows as it flows, becoming a mighty river that could not be crossed. But the mighty flow brings life instead of destruction, healing even the waters of the Dead Sea, and watering fruitful trees on the river's banks.
That imagery provides a rich background for considering the teaching of Jesus by the well at Sychar: a drink of His “water of life” becomes a flowing spring that continues to provide life. The healings that Jesus performed both show His compassion and make visible the spiritual healing and life that He brought.
The flow of the mightiest river at flood stage grew from individual raindrops. In the same way, the mighty river of justice and righteousness and compassion grows from the actions of those who are led by the Lord. Generosity and service overflow to make visible the grace and unfailing love of the One who sits enthroned over the flood.