Friday, March 20, 2009

A River

Revelation 22:1-2
I spent the afternoon yesterday sitting beside a river. It didn't take long before all kinds of images and symbolism about water came to mind. I decided to focus my thoughts on the life giving power of rivers which reminds me so much of God. That whole canyon of mesquite, palo verde, and a myriad of other plants would die without its nourishment. That doesn't even account for all the animal life relying on its presence. The book of Revelation paints a similar scene we will encounter in heaven. "Then he showed me the river whose waters give life, sparkling like crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Through the middle of the broadway of the city; also, on either side of the river was the tree of life with its twelve varieties of fruit, yielding each month its fresh crop; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing and the restoration of the nations (Amplified Bible). A river and trees bringing life and healing to all those blessed to gain access to its splendor. It's amazing to believe God has prepared a place more beautiful than this canyon in which I relax. Yet, Revelation describes crystaline waters and trees with multiple kinds of fruits growing on them. Wow! Why not? Our God can create anything! With all the majesty here on earth its overwhelming to realize God's saved the best for the next life! Finally, as water is critical to our survival in this state, there would be no life now or hereafter without God, the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of all things. Give glory to God for all that he has graciously provided.

The song to go with today's devotional is "River" by Chris Tomlin. (Not an exciting video so listen carefully to the lyrics and imagine yourself alongside your favorite river.)

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