Ezekiel was as prophet who used images and actions (as well as words) to communicate the Word of God to a people in captivity. The people needed to know that God had not finished his dealings with them. The vision he shares assures the people that though they are in dark and difficult times, God’s grace and presence will sustain them until they again experience his blessing.

As you read this passage take in the physical descriptions. There may be symbolic meaning to the numbers, but don’t neglect the visual impact. The Word of God communicates on many levels. Here it connects with us visually in our mind’s eye. Ezekiel wants us to witness the vision he saw so we can learn.

The vision starts in the temple. Looking out from the temple, Ezekiel sees a stream that flows by to his right. It is as though a spring bubbles up from the temple itself as the water trickles out to the east and forms a stream.

Ezekiel’s guide takes him 1000 cubits down stream—just over ¼ mile. They step into the water and it is ankle deep. They travel another 1000 cubits and the water is knee deep. Another 1000 cubits and it is waist deep. Then at 4000 cubits (about a mile) from the temple, the water is too deep to cross.

The angel guide turns to Ezekiel and asks, "Do you see all this?" That is our cue as readers. There is something here for us to understand. Do we see it? Do we understand?

The water that flows is the grace and presence of God. We come into contact with it in worship. As the river flows from times of personal and public worship it touches our lives bringing healing and life. The further the river is from the temple, the deeper it gets. The further we are from worship, the more we need the deep power of the presence and grace of God.

In corporate worship, we meet God publicly. This passage reminds us of the importance of gathering for worship. We begin our week with worship because that is the source of the river of God’s presence and grace. Worship is not just a cerebral fact. Its importance is a reality for our lives.

There is no substitute for worship. Having correct doctrine is great, but orthodox doctrine does not give life. Having a righteous life is wonderful, but our acts of righteousness do not give life. Spiritual life does not come from being "one of the good guys." All of these things are good, but without the river of life, we shrivel up. Without the power and presence of God nourished by regular worship, we blow away.

Private worship also connects us to the source of the stream at the temple. Private prayer lets the noise of our hearts subside so we can come into contact with the live giving spring. It is not enough to talk about prayer or agree that it is a good thing to do. The act of prayer itself connects us to the presence of God.

What is the effect of the river? In v 7 we see that it causes trees to grow along its banks. This description is like that of Psalm 1, where the man who is truly blest is described. He meditates on the Word of God day and night. This is not a chore, but his delight. The result is that God sustains him like a tree planted by a river. It produces fruit. Its leaves don’t fall off.

In Ezekiel’s vision of the trees by the water, the fruit is constant and the leaves are used for healing. I want to be used by the Lord for healing in my own heart and in the life of others. I want to be like those trees. I want to have a continual connection to the presence and grace of God.

Everywhere the river flows is healed. The water flows in the arid region of the Arabah and life springs forth. We experience deserts of grief and loss. We know the aching dryness of broken relationships. The presence and grace of God heals our brokeness. The river flows to the Dead Sea and life returns where it had been no longer possible.

In verse 11 we read of the areas which are not healed. The swamps and the marshes will not become fresh because they are not connected to the river. Where the river touches, life happens. Areas untouched by the river remain dead. These marshes may represent people who do not connect with the presence of God in Christ. They may also represent parts of our own lives that we do not let connect to the Savior.

There are sins that we cherish and things we do not bring to God in prayer. We want to handle them by ourselves. Are you willing to let the river flow to them? Let the life of Christ flood all the places in your heart.