A Transforming Stream
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Key Verse: “It shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.” Selected Scripture: |
THERE ARE MANY REFERENCES in the Scriptures which speak prophetically of the restoration of the human family as a result of the “restitution of all things” promised to transpire during the coming kingdom of God. (Acts 3:21) Very often water is used as a symbol to illustrate how such blessings will flow to mankind once the Christ, head and body, is complete in glory.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus had an encounter with a woman of Samaria. After requesting a drink of water from her at a well, he indicated he also had water to offer, and those who would partake of it would never thirst again. (John 4:7-14) Our Lord’s explanation in this account of the water of life, of which he is the fountain, was profound. It could not be fully appreciated except by those who would receive the Holy Spirit and its sanctifying influence, which would set them apart from the rest of the world of mankind.
Another reference to this same symbolic water, which is the focus of today’s study, is found in these words: “It shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day there shall be one Lord, and his name one.” (Zech. 14:8,9) It is likely these prophetic words refer to the New Jerusalem, or spiritual phase of God’s kingdom under the direction of Christ and the church, which will provide blessings of restitution to all the world of mankind who will obey the laws of that righteous government.
Our Key Verse alludes to the comprehensive nature of this arrangement. It will be an occasion when the “desire of all nations shall come,” because it will bring permanent peace and happiness to a world that has been scarred by sin and its attendant evils of sickness, pain and death.—Hag. 2:7
A similar lesson is taught in John’s vision recorded in the final chapter of the last book of the Bible. “He shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.”—Rev. 22:1-3
Additionally, we are informed that “the Spirit and the bride” will supply refreshment from the water of life to all who willingly accept the invitation: “let him take the water of life freely.” (vs. 17) How marvelous it will be when God’s will is done “in earth, as it is in heaven.”—Matt. 6:10