Read the following passage from Ezekiel 47:1–12 which describes water flowing from the temple in a vision given to Ezekiel. As the place where God’s glory and presence dwells, water flowing from the temple is a metaphor for His presence going out to bringing blessing and life and healing. There is a still future realization of the vision in the fullness of God kingdom, and it was also realized in Jesus. Notice that it goes out in all directions (i.e., to all people) and it is transformative (e.g., salt water turned to fresh water) and it brings healing (i.e., leaves for healing). Use your imagination to feel the water bless people “out of Zion.”

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. 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.

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. 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. 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. And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?”

Then he led me back to the bank of the river. As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. Fishermen will stand beside the sea. From Engedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they are to be left for salt. And 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.”

Our deepest desires are met in this image of healing and transformation. Ephesians 3:14-19 paint a picture of God’s love extending out in all directions and we find ourselves swimming in His ocean of grace. Jonathan Edward said: “All earthly desires are but streams, but God is the ocean.”

Take a few moments today and reflect upon the ways that God’s presence and love in your life has brought healing and transformation as well as how you are experiencing healing and transformation right now and your prayer for the future. 

Where am I? How have you experienced transformation and healing?

What do I want? What is your prayer for transformation and healing in the days ahead?

How is God loving you? How is God’s presence healing you and transforming you in the present moment?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for walking with me over these weeks. May I continue to let your love and presence shape my life. In your mercy, give me the strength to look to you in all things and for all things. Amen.