Redeemer Church Mauritius
The prophet Ezekiel had a vision where he saw a river flowing from the temple and the further this river flowed the stronger and deeper it became. The river was teeming with life, all kinds of creatures, and fruit appeared every month on the trees on the banks of the river. This vision is a picture of the river of spiritual life coming from God with the power to make dead things come to life and barren things bear fruit. We can take the blessings we receive from God and pass it on to others or we can hold onto his blessings and become a spiritual swamp.
Ezekiel 47:8-12 NIV
1. The river makes dead things alive
Ezekiel received this vision in difficult times as a symbol of hope – it is the same for us.
2. The river makes barren things fruitful
We can’t make something fruitful, but God can produce fruit through us.
3. Plant yourself by the river
We need to be close to the river to receive its life.
Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers."
4. Don’t be a swamp or a marsh
Keeping God’s blessing to ourselves robs us and others of the life of God.
5. Freely give
Jesus commanded us to pass on what we have received.
Matthew 10:5–8 (NIV)
"These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
6. You determine the measure you receive
Jesus said that we will only receive according to the measure we use to give.
Luke 6:38 (NIV)
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Think about it:
Are you a river or a swamp?