A Stream of Living Water For a Dry Soul

O. T. #1949  "A Stream of Living Water For a Dry Soul"

May 26, 2021

Ezekiel 47

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 73-83 are written by Asaph, a Levite who led one of the temple choirs. (1Chron.15:19) Either he wrote those psalms, or his choir sang them, or later choirs in the tradition of Asaph sang them, according to MacArthur.

Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalm 73:23-26)

When Asaph once again understands God's view of life, he realizes that he is always with God, who holds his right hand. (verse 23) Notice who was holding whom. God was holding Asaph, and He wasn't letting go. Not only did Asaph have God's presence, but he also had His guidance and counsel. He recognizes that the Lord was everything to him. God's Word directs us to believe what is true and to live with wisdom.(Tony Evans)

Isn't it comforting to know that God is hold onto us? And He doesn't let go. Is God's Word directing our life? Is He our everything today?

LET IT GROW

The beginning of this chapter explains the vision of water flowing from the Temple during the Millennial reign of Christ on earth:

• It flowed eastward from the threshold of the Temple. (verse 1)
• The water was measured 4 times by the guide, who was probably Jesus.
• Beginning as a trickle, the water increased dramatically in depth every third of a mile. (verses 3-5)
• This trickle of water was issuing from the Holy of Holies, past the altar on the south side.
• Ezekiel was led out of the Temple area at the northern gate, around the Temple to the eastern gate. There the water was coming from under the building on the south side of the gate.
• The river flowed to the Dead Sea, where it brought life. (right now it is salt water) Trees grew on the banks of the river, which provided food and leaves for healing. (Currently, they are taking water from the Dead Sea to use as irrigation for the date palms. This is resulting in the Sea receding water.)

Jerusalem will have a life-giving river at this time, whether it is a literal river or a sacred symbol of the Lord's life-giving power. It is not from a palace nor from a government building, but from a Temple of God.

Water is often tied to life and the work of the Holy Spirit, so the river that will flow during this time is a river, evidence that the Spirit of God has returned to His house. God will be in His place, and His blessings will flow from Him to the entire land. (Tony Evans)

Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. (John 7:38)

Folks, I found this verse written on an old calendar (2001) with Scriptures and beautiful pictures when I was sorting through things in my office, packing up them. It is a marvelous picture of greenery around a stream, out in the woods. I do not believe in coincidences. God had it there for me as a confirmation. His Spirit and Words want to flow through us to others, like a stream.

Is this life-giving stream flowing though us today, so it gives living water to the dry soul we come in contact with today?

LET IT GO

Holy Spirit, comfort those dry souls, giving them life abundantly today.

Fill us with gratitude, worship, and joy in Christ now as we surrender to Your will.

Glory to our God on High!