Do You Experience the Flow of Human History as a Spiritual River?
Good Morning Friends,
Yesterday I watched a colorized and remastered version of the movie African Queen, for free, On Demand. The movie is set in Africa on a river. It is, well, a classic. I will leave you to the symbolism with the addition that to me it reminded me of the whole idea of Spiritual Movements and one in particular, with which I am engaged that started in Pittsburgh on a river…a symbol of life and the flowing of the Holy Spirt in us…
The whole idea of streams of religious thought and real rivers stimulate my imagination. Both seem to be so persistent, going steadily on course then when coming to an obstacle that for a while blocks their path, they will drop out of sight, only to return downstream. The journey is perilous and an act of faith…much like the movie plot line. And this brings us to today’s question. Do You Experience the Flow of Human History as a Spiritual River?
Scripture: On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”
John 7:37-38 (NRSV)
All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
Ecclesiastes 1:7 (KJV)
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
Revelation 22:1 (NRSV)
Message: The river of Holy History always overcomes the obstacles in its path.
Still so many souls are shriveled and dried up in our culture when we all are surrounded by the beauty of Christian Books, Bibles, Churches and groups. Maybe people just don’t know they need to be thirsty…they need to take advantage of the water of life. Maybe they do not know that a river is flowing very nearby. Maybe they do not long for the water. Of course, some people make the mistake of just standing on the banks watching. They do not seem to realize that the river brings life to dead dry places and a breakthrough when obstacles get in the way. And friends, this river that scripture speaks about has a transforming power. It had saving and healing power. This river has brought life, healing and restoration throughout history. This same river was in Jesus and the baptism of the power of the Holy Spirit springs from this same river in you. Friends, you have to decide if you want to sit on the dry river bank or jump in and be carried in the stream of Holy History. Here Jesus invites us to drink. Here Jesus invites us to be part of something exciting. Friends, ask for, receive and share with others your experience of spiritual thirst and your exhilarating experience of the river.
Pray we jump into the river of Holy History. Pray we never let anything come between Jesus and our experience of the one great sovereign source. Pray that you Lord would give us an overwhelming thirst to become more Christ like. Pray Lord that you make our lives like well-watered gardens with springs of water that never fail. Pray that our spirit overflow with your pure water of love for the unloved. Pray that out of our hearts flow rivers of living water. Pray we know there is a river that makes the city of God glad. Pray we experience power with a purpose in the one who is the source of a rushing river of nourishment.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 