Two Rivers

There are two rivers.

The One, clean and pure.
Flowing from the Temple.

The other, I know too well.
Brackish and muddy.
Filled with pain, doubts and regret.

Ezekiel is led through his water, ankle deep.
I forced my way through mine, relying on my own strength.

Ezekiel’s river became knee deep.
Not by incoming streams or tributaries, but by the immeasurable presence of God.|
My river pressed against my knees as I fought the current, longing to reach the other river, but sadly failing.

Ezekiel waded through his river waist deep, its cool waters refreshing.
I am waist deep in fear, and failure. The chains that tie me down.

Ezekiel saw the river had become deep enough to swim, large enough that no one could pass through.

I, on the other hand, am up to my neck in the waters of my own weakness, inadequacy, and my own understanding. Struggling to keep my head above water.

My river leads to dark sea. Cold and lifeless. I have no control over the swirling undertow that drags me there.

Ezekiel was led to the bank of his river and saw a great number of trees on each side. When it emptied into the Dead Sea, the salty water became fresh.

Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water of the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve as food and their leaves for healing. Ezekiel 47:9, 12

I could see the Glory of the great river in the distance. But I, in my pride, stepped out of the boat to walk on my waters alone, only to succumb to the waves.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me.” Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said. “Why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:30-31

The storm died down.
The water became pure.

I lowered my gaze in shame.
Who am I to think I could walk those waves alone?

Then Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes. Look at Me.”

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you… For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the Glory of God?” John 11:40

Jesus led me to the bank of the great river.
We sat in the shade of the trees and ate of their fruit.
We dipped our toes into the cool water.