Tuesday 05 April 2011
- Bible Book:
- Ezekiel
"Going on eastward with a cord in his hand, the man measured one thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle deep." (v.3)
Background
Ezekiel's vision of the river is for me one of the most strikingimages in the Bible. Having been called to preach to God's peopleand warn them in uncompromising terms of their failings, Ezekiel isthen given the gift of this all encompassing vision of God's powerand the privilege of sharing that vision with all who will listen.The vision follows a detailed description of the temple whichbegins in chapter 40 and describes a river whichwill flow from the temple to what is now known as the Dead Sea. Inverse 10 En-gedi and En-eglaim are thought to be rivers on the westshore of the Dead Sea and the "Great Sea" is likely to refer to theMediterranean.
The "Arabah" in verse 8 is also a reference to the Dead Sea and thefact that the river of God's power should be depicted as cleansingsuch uniquely salty water and causing growth stresses that this isa vision of God's renewing power. In this most arid of places therewill be an abundance of fish and living creatures and it will be aplace where "everything will live where the river goes" (verse 9).The river and the vision of the trees in verse 12 points forward toJohn's vision of heaven (
Perhaps the most interesting image within this vision is that ofEzekiel being led into the river. It is a moment of great trust andtenderness between the prophet and the God he seeks to proclaim.One wonders whether Ezekiel would have seen the vision at all if hehad not been willing to wade into deeper waters.
To Ponder
Where do you feel God may be leading you?
Where do you feel you need God's transforming andrenewing power in your life?