Daily Lesson for September 8, 2020

 Today's Daily Lesson comes from Ezekiel chapter 47 verses 1 through 6:

Today's Daily Lesson comes from Ezekiel chapter 47 verses 1 through 6:

Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east); and 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 the water was coming out on the south side.

3 Going on eastward with a cord in his hand, the man measured one thousand cubits, and then led me through the water; and it was ankle-deep. 4 Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was knee-deep. Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was up to the waist. 5 Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed. 6 He said to me, “Mortal, have you seen this?”

The book of Ezekiel ends with the vision of a great river flowing from the Temple down into the valleys below, bringing life and prosperity to all the flora and fauna who drink and prosper from its well of life.

And, Ezekiel says, "on the banks, on both sides of the river," there grow many different kinds of trees, whose fruit is for food, and leaves are for healing.

What imagery.

Both sides of the river. The river of life touches and connects us all. There is no side left unblessed or unfruitful.

And the fruit is for feeding, because none should go hungry.

And the leaves are for healing, because the whole world needs healthcare.

This is the vision. It is the dream. It is the hope. The river flowing out from the Temple to wash, and water, and feed, and heal us all.

And as the old hymn asks:

"Shall we gather at the River . . .

That flows from the throne of God?"

May the answer be, "Yes."

NOTE: We are reading the whole Bible through this year. Tomorrow we will read the Prophet Joel.