A life-giving river

Ezekiel 47, 48
Luke 2

SOAP - A life-giving river

Scripture
Ezekiel 47:7-9 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Sea. When it empties into the Sea, the water becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live."

Observation
I'm always bad at getting the symbolism in scripture. I guess I'm way to literal. Anyway, I read this and wonder if that fresh water sea really exists, search for freshwater seas on Google, learn a little about the Black Sea (which isn't as salty as most) and realize a study Bible would work better. I'm just going to quote the study Bible (Zondervan's Life Application Study Bible) because I like what it said... "The river symbolizes life from God and the blessings that flow from his throne. It is a gentle, safe, deep river, expanding as it flows. ... The sea that will become fresh refers to the Dead Sea, a body of water so salty that nothing can live in it. The river will freshen the Dead Sea's water so it can support life. This is another picture of the life-giving nature of the water that flows from God's temple. God's power can transform us no matter how lifeless or corrupt we may be. Even when we feel messed up and beyond hope, his power can heal us." Well, now that I've read it, the symbolism seems really obvious, especially for a nature lover like me. :-)

Application
I love being out in nature, away from all the man-made things. There is nothing like standing a few miles out into the mountains beside a stream listening to it flow, seeing the life all around. I love all the parts of the Bible that talk about trees and rivers. I feel close to God when I'm surrounded by those things. Maybe it's easier for me to let go of all my "man-made" wants and desires if I'm away from all this man-made stuff. I can't really escape to the mountains every day, but I have been trying to make sure I spend at least 10 minutes or so outside every morning enjoying God's beautiful creation. It's my chance to start my day with him, to be reminded of his awesome love and power to give us life. It will be nice this morning to walk outside and think of this river, gentle and fresh, bringing life and hope wherever it flows.

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for wanting to heal us and give us life. Thank you for the times in life when I do get to escape to the mountains. Thank you that I live in a place where we have a yard, trees, a pretty neighborhood to walk around, and it's safe to be out walking. Thank you for the mountains I can see from the backyard. Thank you for all the mornings, but especially the ones that are my favorites. :-) Lord I pray that each of us has a way of connecting with you and that we each find time in the day to do that. Thank you for this Bible study. I feel like I've learned a lot over the last few days. Lord I want to give you my best. And I know I can't be all you'd have me be on my own. Lord I want to take the gifts you've given me and use them to follow your path. Please Lord I pray, be with me as I try. Thank you. Amen.