"The River of Blessing." Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 47 vvs 1-12 In our previous consideration of Ezekiel's vision of the divine river we spoke of a life that is full. This month our meditation is on Encounters that are Deeper. In his vision the prophet observes a man with a measuring line. As he progresses along the path of the river he measures the depth of the waters every thousand cubits (approx. 450 metres). At his first measure the waters are to the ankles. By the time he takes his fourth measure the waters are deep and wide. The Bible states, "there were waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over." Praise God for a river that grows deeper as we progress with the Lord. "Perfect yet it floweth, fuller every day. Perfect yet it groweth deeper all the way." (Francis Ridley Havergal) A. Walking in the Spirit. verse 3. Here are the words of the Prophet, "The waters were to the ankles." If there is a spiritual exercise spoken of more often than any other, it is the action of walking. God says we are to walk in the light, as He is in the Light. If we do we will enjoy the fellowship of the Son of God, and the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse us from all sin. (1 John 1 verse 7). Great prominence is given to this concept in Paul's letter to the Ephesians 5. We are to walk in love verse 2. We are to walk as children of light verse 8. We are to walk circumspectly verse 15. In chapter 4 verse 1 we are exhorted to walk worthy of our calling as children of the Lord. Let us walk in the pathway of blessing and duty with the Lord. B. Praying in the Spirit. Verse 4a. At the second point of measurement, "the waters were to the knees." Knee work is the key work of the Christian life. Spiritual progress is dependent upon a life of prayer. Here is the true barometer of the believer's heart experience with the Lord. God's servant Ezekiel was a man of prayer. The life of the Spirit will always bend the knees in humble worship, and earnest supplication before God's throne of grace. "Throughout Scripture, in the life of every saint, of God's own Son, and throughout the history of the Church, God is, first of all, a prayer-hearing God." Andrew Murray. The Lord's people have the greatest privilege and the highest responsibility in the call to prayer. Let us see that we cultivate the life of Spirit endued prayerfulness. C. Enduring in the Spirit. verse 4b. "The waters were to the loins," speaks of spiritual strength. Here is the secret of enduring faith in the midst of discouragement. The anointing of the Holy Spirit empowers the child of God to stand fast in the faith of the Gospel. When the devil is unleashing his wrath against the Church, it takes more than human courage to win the battle. The apostle Paul exhorts God's people to gird the loins with truth. Ephesians 6 verse 14. Peter also ays we are to, "gird up the loins of our minds" in anticipation of the Lord's return. 1 Peter 1 verse 13. Clear minds and clear convictions are evidences of spiritual enduement. Spirit taught people who are strong in the Lord are needed in this age of weak and shallow believism. Let us go deeper in the river of His fullness. D. Overflowing in the Spirit. Verse 5. At the fourth location the prophet can see a river deep and wide enough to swim in. Perhaps this gave Miss Havergal the inspiration for her wonderful hymn. "Like a river glorious." The majesty of earth's great rivers is surpassed in the glory of the river of God's infinite fullness. Here is an overflowing measure, waiting to carry the life of the trusting soul along in its God ordained current. There are depths of love and heights of joy we cannot know until we pass from this life. But there are deeper encounters in grace available to God's people than we have yet trusted for in this life. Many stand in the shallows while the Lord keeps calling them to launch out into the depths of his love and power. How is it with you? If you would like spiritual counsel and feel you would like to talk to our pastor then click HERE to e-mail him directly. Written for this website by Rev. E. Stewart. Due to be updated: early January Archived Messages. 01/09/02 The Revelation of the River. 04/05/02 The Greatest Watershed in History. 29/01/02 Knowing and doing the Will of God. 22/11/01 Things Which Cannot Be Shaken. 07/07/01 The Soulwinner's conflict 24/04/01 The Divine Dividend 17/03/01 The Move That Made The Difference 10/01/01 Marching On In The Will of God 15/12/00 Christmas Message 07/10/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (2) 15/09/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (1) 28/07/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (4) 15/06/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (3) 07/05/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (2) 09/04/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (1) 22/04/00 Easter Message