Revelation 22:1-2 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
When you think of this verse, what picture comes to mind? A peaceful serene place of majestic beauty? I believe this is a mighty moving river that has the power to sweep a large bolder in its course.
But where is the beginning point of this river? Where does it start at? According to verse two, it Proceeds from the throne of God and from the Lamb…
Ezekiel 47:1-3 Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar. 2He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side.3And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters.
I have a question, who is the “he” in verse three? This can only be Jesus the spotless Lamb of God. Where did this man (pre-incarnate Christ) measure from? Did he measure from the banks of the river or from within the river itself? Take a close look at Ezekiel 47:3 …he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters. The answer is, he measured from within the river, not on the banks of the river. Is it possible that the depth of your Christian walk can be measured in the streams of the river of Gods glory? I believe it is so.
Another question is; can you experience the river of God’s presence and experience internal growth at the same time? Look at Ezekiel 47:12 along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” Now go back and look at Revelation 22:2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. How did you learn to swim? Most of us just jumped in the water and started treading.
When Peter and John went up the mount of transfiguration, did they learn anything from that experience? Sure they did. They saw the external appearance of Jesus, Moses and Elijah lit up like a Christmas tree. It made such an impression upon these disciples that they wanted to stay on the mountain and set up tabernacles for all three men. Do you think the miracles, healings and signs and wonders of Jesus made an impression on the disciples that traveled with him? That’s a no brainer isn’t it?
Now here is the key to everything; Make sure the Lamb is in the river that you’re swimming in. If the lamb is not in the river that you are swimming in, then you’re swimming in the wrong stream!
So I would conclude that it’s not an either or proposition here. It’s a both-and situation. You can experience the river and grow at the same time. Pentecost was birthed from an experience. And though the disciples moved on from the initial experience of Pentecost, they continued on in its power from there on. So what are we to conclude? It’s simple, just stay in the river and grow in the Lord.--by Randall Burton
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