April 12, 2003(21)
THE MAN WITH A MEASURING INSTRUMENT IN HIS HAND. The Lord has certain standards which must be met, therefore, He carefully measures His handiwork. When the man had measured out four measurements, each of one thousand cubits, the waters had increased from a stream to a broad, deep flowing river. Applying the four thousand cubits to a measurement of time we would find a period of four thousand years. From Abraham (The Father of all who walk by faith. Rom. 4:16) to the end of the age and the coming of Christ is four thousand years. The volume of the waters of faith have steadily increased from the time of Abraham until our time. They will swell in magnitude right to the consummation. Eze. 47:3-5 This river represents the flow of the Spirit of the Lord over the span of the ages. The greatest depth and power will result in a glorious revival in our day.
DO YOU SEE THIS? These waters have swollen into a vast, deeply flowing and mighty river. This river had become so wide that the prophet could not pass over them, and from his statement, that < they could not be passed over >, it would appear that he could not stand on one bank and see the other. An extensive and wide flowing flood. The Lord has promised that His glory will be come an overflowing covering which will cover the earth. Hab. 2:14 These waters are destined to create spiritual growth wherever they flow. Ezekiel was first impressed by the great number of trees which had sprung up along each side of the river. Eze. 47:7 We see here the righteous individual who is planted in Christ and is growing in wisdom and knowledge. The tree planted by the waters. Ps. 1:3 Then he noted that they went down into the desert, a dry and empty place. Continuing on is their flow they reach the dead sea. Here, eureka, wherever these waters flow there is a life giving force accompanying them and there is healing of that which was old and stagnant. The freshness of the waters of the river refreshed and revived the waters of the sea. Eze. 47:5-8
WATERS OF LIFE. Even as water is a great necessity for natural life, so the waters of the Spirit are vitally needful for life everlasting. These waters are determined to be waters of life. They bring to all creatures, a source of life. Thus, illustrating the broad effect of these waters where ever they should flow. The life giving ability of the river is spoken of twice in verse nine, emphasizing the double portion†impact of this river of the glory of the Lord. Surely the statement of their healing virtue is not limited to spiritual healing but embraces physical healing as well. Likewise and of great importance the fact that these waters will abound with a great multitude of fish. Always fish are to be identified with those who are candidates to be won or are newly won to Christ. Revival will finish the spreading of the Gospel to every creature on the earth. How amazing that with modern technology the world may be reached and won to Christ. As never before the Good News is being spread around the world. The Lord is doing great things and there is much more to come.