"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."
(Ezekiel 47:12)
I first heard about this amazing "river of life" at a Chris Tomlin concert. He sang a song called "Dance in the River." He told us that it was from an OT passage that talked about a holy river that gave life to everything it touched. This is that river.
What was interesting to me, however, is the fact that the river originated at the Temple in Jerusalem. Evidently, there was an underground spring that surfaced under the Temple. So while God created the water that brought life and healing, the church (temple) was the place from which that flowed. As it should be!
I just prayed for a group of 30+ people walking from my church to downtown Honolulu today. It's the 10th day in a 10-day "Walk the Talk" journey around the island on foot - to raise money and awareness for homelessness. I won't attempt to take credit for any part of this amazing project (my friend, Utu Langi, is the leader!)... but it was great to see so many from my congregation bring food last night to share with the walkers (plus a few came back this AM to make breakfast for them - as they slept over at the church!). The vision of Ezekiel is how it should be. The church SHOULD be the place where life-giving & healing waters flow. When we "get it right," this indeed happens. When we don't, it doesn't.
PRAYER: Lord, send healing waters out from our church - not just for those who come to worship here, but for ALL in the larger community & world. You are too powerful for us to keep to ourselves. Use us to bless Aiea and beyond. AMEN.
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