Deep and Wide

(written by Vickie)

The Word for today: Ezekiel 47

Jump in- the water's fine.

Salvation flows out of the temple -- a river deep and wide, "...so where the river flows everything will live (v.9b)." Since chapter 40, we have marched through a lot of detailed description about the temple and instruction for Israel's appropriate worship there. Ezekiel's vision now fills our eyes with wonder as we watch a torrent of fresh, life giving water pour out of the temple. The good news is summarized at the end of this chapter--food and healing--provided by the river.

Like so many other passages in Old Testament scripture, this picture of salvation is mirrored in the New Testament.

Jesus speaks about this life giving water in John 4. A woman appears at the well, alone and need of not only water but also healing. Jesus delivers the good news, "...If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water(v.10)." Jesus goes on to explain the meaning of this "living water:"
"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life(v.13)."

This woman was undone upon hearing Jesus speak these things. Her salvation had come. Her need for the present and eternity stood before her.

God's salvation is breathtaking. It's not natural-it's supernatural. It's what we need for eternity.

Are you thirsty? Do you need healing? Jesus holds out the invitation. Drink up.

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