The River Of Life And The Promised Inheritance
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Ezekiel 47, 48 and Psalm 17 (NIV)
(Tina Khoo, SWR Committee Member)
READ:
Ezekiel 47, 48 and Psalm 17 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Ezekiel 47, the prophet was led back to the door of the temple, where he witnessed an extraordinary sight: water flowing directly from under the threshold of the temple. This river, unlike anything Jerusalem had ever seen, symbolised God’s abundant blessings and life-giving provision. It originated from His house, emphasizing that true blessings come from Him alone. The river’s gradual increase signified God’s continuous outpouring of grace and vitality.
In Ezekiel 48, the boundaries of the land were described along with provisions for the inheritance of strangers living among the tribes. The vision pointed to the coming Kingdom Age, where Jerusalem would experience unprecedented prosperity and security. The promised land would be divided among the twelve tribes, reflecting God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.
Interpretation: The river flowing from the temple represents the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit. Just as water sustains physical life, the Spirit brings spiritual life, growth, and refreshment. The source of the river in the temple reminds us that our blessings come from God’s presence. It’s not about human effort or worldly systems; it’s about being connected to Him. The division of the land among the tribes signifies God’s equitable distribution of blessings. Even strangers will share in the inheritance, emphasizing God’s inclusive love. God’s promises will be fulfilled, and His people will experience abundance beyond imagination.
APPLY:
- Seek God’s Presence: Just as the river flowed from the temple, I seek God’s presence by drinking from the Living Water daily.
- Trust His Provision: God’s blessings don’t depend on my circumstances. I can trust Him to provide even in the desert seasons. His river of grace never runs dry.
- Share the Inheritance: Just as strangers were included in the land division, I extend God’s love to others by being generous, welcoming, and inclusive.
- Anticipate the Coming of Christ: Look forward to the day when God’s promises will be fully realised.
DO:
- I will make it a daily discipline to seek God’s presence daily by spending time in prayer, worship, and reading His Word. I will allow His Spirit to fill me and overflow into every area of my life.
- In this world that is full of injustices, I can rest in His promises that all will be well. On one hand I shall not turn a blind eye to injustices, on the other hand I shall be careful not to take matters into my own hand but be steadfastly anchored in the hope of our just God.
PRAY:
As I journey through life’s wilderness, keep my steps on Your paths. May my feet not stumble, for I walk in the shadow of Your wings. O Lord, hear my cry, for my heart seeks refuge in You. Guard me as the apple of Your eye; let Your wings shield me from harm. Amen. (Psalm 17)
