Where the river flows everything will live

Where the river flows everything will live

Scripture:- He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. Ezekiel 47:8-10

Observation: In our last lesson, we learnt how the river from the temple is symbolic of the Holy Spirit poured forth from God which overflows in our hearts and brings life wherever it goes.

Here, pictorially, we see this happening. In the Dead Sea, the salt content is so high that no fish can live. However, when this river from the temple goes there, it will heal the waters and enable fish to live there again. Fish in the Bible is symbolic of men. Jesus told His disciples that He would make them fishers of men.

Without Christ, men are spiritually dead but when God’s Spirit comes and enlightens them and draws them towards Christ, they become spiritually awakened, and alive in God. If we are to touch others, to bring them towards the mighty, living God, we need the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that works in us, through us and out of us to reach out and touch others.

Jesus said “How much more will the Father give the Spirit to those who ask Him.” We need to ask God for more and more of His Holy Spirit. The Spirit brings life to us, and also through us.

The Scripture also speaks of fishermen being able to bring their business to the Dead Sea. The healing of the Spirit is not just physically and spiritually, but also in business. God is the God of Business. Jesus was a successful carpenter, able to provide for His whole family, Paul a tentmaker, Lydia a seller of purple. Even in our work, our business, invite the Holy Spirit in. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, and enlightenment in our work, our challenges. One word from God can totally transform any situation.

Application: See ourselves as the channel of a river, and the Holy Spirit as the river. Continue to pray and seek the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, and let His fruit shine forth to bless and encourage others. Even in business, in work, submit it to God. Invite the Holy Spirit to come in and join with us in all the work we do. Ask for more and more of the Holy Spirit from God the Father in Jesus name.

Prayer: Father God, pour forth Your Holy Spirit into us more and more, in Jesus name. Holy Spirit, fill us with Your presence. Give us Your heart, Your desires. Teach us to be a blessing to others and bring Your light to them. Like a river, Lord, flow forth and bring life wherever I go in my life. Bless my work, my business O Lord. I submit them to You. You are Lord and God. I praise You and love You. In Jesus name, Amen.