SALTY SWAMPS…OR THE RIVER OF LIFE?

EZEKIEL 47:11-12: “But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they are to be left for salt. And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” (ESV)‭‭

OBSERVATION: Am I living in the marshes and swamps – or in the river of life? Ezekiel receives a vision of the restored temple and flowing from the temple was a river of living water. This was a vision of the coming Kingdom of God as is also foretold in the Book of Revelation.

• REVELATION 22:1-2: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Ezekiel’s vision was just a “type” of the coming and final Kingdom of God. This is evident by the fact that in Ezekiel’s vision the river flowed from the temple, and in John’s vision the river flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb!

This speaks to us who are now the redeemed of the Lord. We are now living as sons and daughters of the King, but we are looking forward to the restoration of all things. Even now there is river of life that is flowing from the “temple” of our hearts. Jesus said to those who believe – “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (‭‭John‬ ‭7:38‬ ‭ESV‬‬) This is a foretaste of the final Kingdom of God where the river will flow from God’s Throne and there will be no more curse. Death, sin, sickness, and all suffering will be no more.

Yet, today, we live in between the present and future fulfillment. We live between Ezekiel’s vision and John’s vision. There is a constant choice of abiding in the river of life that desires to flow in our lives, or falling back into the salty swamps and marshes of our old nature. We must remember – there is no life in the salty swamp! Life only flows from abiding in the Word and walking after the Spirit. Is it any wonder why the enemy of our souls continually tries to drag us back to the unproductive borders of our old life? He knows that if he can get us there it will thwart and hinder the growth of the fruit of God in our lives. God desires us to bear fruit, and that our fruit will remain. This can only happen as we stay in His river of life!

This morning Lord I desire that you would establish me firmly in Your river of life! Let me abide in You and in Your Word. Flow in and through my life with the indwelling power and life of Your Holy Spirit. Revive me and bring to life every area of my life so that I can bear fruit for You and become a blessing to others. Remind me every day, and at every turn – there is no life in the salty swamps of my past! Thank You for Your Grace and Mercy that is extended to me today!

In Jesus Name!