Let the River Flow - JY Reflect Feb 2020 (BJMM035)

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Let the River Flow

Jesus Youth Reflection: February 2020

Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me round on the outside to the outer gate, that faces toward the east; and the water was coming out on the south side. Going on eastward with a line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water; and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water; and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water; and it was up to the loins. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. Ez 47:1-5

Prophet Ezekiel’s vision of the journey of the water from the door of the temple has much to tell us. During these days let us revisit this passage again and again, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us, and taking efforts to live this vision in our personal lives and in our communities. 

Most big things we see around us have very small beginnings, but they have grown, journeying forward over a time. This is also true of every important relationship; a friendship often begins in a small, unexpected meeting, and over the years grows into something we cherish very much. Our skills and capabilities also grow in the same way. Many of us collect special things or acquire some learning, and if we are steady, they grow over a time into big treasure chests. Is it not the same in our groups and in our movement, when some beautiful inspiration or a good initiative grows into a deep flowing river or a fruitful ministry as someone steadily follows it up? Look into your life and turn your eyes around. Surely, you will see beautiful rivers of love and goodness flowing and spreading. 

In the vision, the prophet is guided step by step, to see how the river grows deeper and wider. Revisiting God’s work or recalling how He led us in the past is very important in Christian life. The Psalmist says, ‘I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord’ (Ps 77:11; 143:5). Reflecting on the past can open new channels of grace in our lives. Occasionally, we need to sit at the Lord’s feet to reflect on these rivers of life, or share with a group of close friends, on how some very important aspect began in our lives and grew over the years. Remember to remember! Such Spirit-led memories are the source of much rejoicing, building our faith in a God who provides, and helping us to take new strides in fervent love. 

How do some of the best things come about in our lives? And with what attitudes should we help them mature? Like the river in the vision, most beautiful things in life have small beginnings, a quiet and steady flow, then a gradual deepening and an eventual bringing forth of rich fruits, transforming the world around, that is, a source, the flow, some depth and a fruition. 

The best beginnings come as an inspiration at the foot of the Lord, while waiting at the threshold of the temple. Let us remember that a seed, even of a big tree, often appears very small and it takes time to sprout and grow. A farmer patiently waits and with perseverance tends the seed, trusting in the Lord who gives it growth. In the same manner, it is important that we gently allow the river of the Lord to deepen and widen amidst us. Then, at its proper time, a friendship, a good habit we like to nurture, or a ministry for which we spend our time, will bring forth marvellous fruits, which in turn will gladden our hearts and bring rich benefits to many around us.

Jesus assures us that if we believe in Him, rivers will flow out from our hearts (Jn 7:38). For a river to be a river, it should be flowing. So let the Holy Spirit, the true river of life, well up from our hearts and from our communities, and flow out into the world, spreading forth His goodness throughout our land (Rev 22:1,2) bringing forth fruits of Good News to the peoples and healing for the nations. And may we never stop being unceasing channels of the Lord’s anointing to everyone, both near and far.

Dr Edward Edezhath

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