"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). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. 2 Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side." – Ezekiel 47:1–2
When you read an Old Testament Book like Ezekiel, it is easy to believe that these ancient stories have little relevance to you. For example, in Ezekiel chapter 47, we read about Ezekiel's mysterious vision of water flowing from the temple of God.
The details of this vision meant something specific in Ezekiel's day, but what does it have to do with everyday life in 2024?
This mysterious passage offers transformative insights for every believer. If you have ever found yourself in a dry spiritual season, where the heavens are brass, or if you have ever wondered why you’re growing cold towards God, drifting into the barren lands of spiritual apathy, Ezekiel's vision is for you.
In the Old Testament, the place of worship was often called the temple or the "tabernacle." Though physical spaces could not limit God, the temple was a designated meeting place between God and his people. It was a place in the wilderness or within the city gates of Jerusalem where prayer could be offered and the presence of God could be experienced. The whole nation experienced protection and prosperity when God’s presence filled the temple. However, when God withdrew his presence due to Israel's sin, chaos ensued.
The book of Ezekiel is written during Israel's exile in Babylon, a consequence of their rebellion against God. Although Chapter 47 reflects a time of chastening, Ezekiel delivers a message of hope: God will return to His house.
Ezekiel receives a vision about the future temple and what God wants to do in and through his people. His experience can sharpen our vision for our church, family, and future. Let's look at the first part of the vision and its lessons.
Lesson 1: God’s Work in Our Lives Often Begins Small.
"Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side." – Ezekiel 47:2
In Ezekiel's vision, the water in the temple began as a small trickle. Water symbolizes the life of the Spirit of God. Initially, it wasn’t a rushing river, but rather just enough to get Ezekiel’s feet wet. However, even a trickle was enough to show that life had returned to the temple.
This reminds us that God often begins His work in small, sometimes unnoticed ways.
As believers, we may feel like we’re only seeing a trickle of God’s presence in our lives or our churches, but that is a sign of life. The Spirit’s presence, no matter how small it seems, is a sign that God is at work.
“God is always at work around you. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.” – Henry Blackaby – Experiencing God
Lesson 2: Learn to Recognize the Spirit’s Life-Giving Flow
"Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. 4 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 waist-deep. 5 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. 6 And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” – Ezekiel 47:3-6
In Ezekiel’s vision, the water didn’t stay shallow. As he walked further into the temple, the water rose higher – from his ankles to his waist – and finally became a river.
Ezekiel’s vision reminds us that God's work is not necessarily about doing something new or innovative in the church or our spiritual walk; it's about recognizing and stepping into what He is already doing by His Spirit.
“The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of joy. He makes us alive with hope and deep satisfaction in God. We can hardly give a greater honor to God than to be fully satisfied with the Spirit’s work in our lives.” – John Piper – Desiring God
Lesson 3: What Happens Inside the Church Affects the World Outside
"Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river there were very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 Then he said to me, “These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; then they go toward the sea, being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the sea become fresh. 9 “It will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be very many fish, for these waters go there and the others become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes." – Ezekiel 47:7-9
A striking part of Ezekiel’s vision is that the water didn’t stay in the temple. It flowed outward, reaching the Dead Sea, where nothing could live. When the water reached the sea, it became fresh, and life began to thrive where there had once been death.
This is a powerful picture of what happens when the life of the Spirit fills the temple or church, and the overflow reaches beyond the church. What God does inside the church is meant to overflow into the world, bringing healing, restoration, and life amid darkness and death.
“The church exists for the sake of the world. It is called to be a community of worship and witness, pointing beyond itself, leading people to know the healing and restorative power of God in Christ.” – N.T. Wright – Simply Christian
Ezekiel’s vision reminds us that God brings life to His people through the power of His Spirit and truth. What starts as a trickle can grow into a river of transformation, not only in our personal lives but also in our churches and communities.
Let’s be attentive to the Spirit’s work and open to going deeper with Him, trusting that the life He brings will flow out to those around us, bringing healing and hope.
About Pastor Bob Moya, DMin.
Pastor Bob Moya has served as the lead pastor with his wife Candace at City Chapel in Arlington, Texas for over 22+ years. He recently graduated with a doctorate degree in Spiritual Renewal and Leadership in the spring of 2024. When not serving at the church, you'll find Bob enjoying a good read at Barnes & Noble, sipping a nitro cold brew or black coffee from Starbucks, or spending time with his family.
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