The River
I was surprised that I was as tired as I was this morning. Perhaps it was that second workout in the pool yesterday evening. When I finished last night I wasn’t able to get right out of the pool. I needed to sit for a while and rest before I had the strength to get myself back into my wheelchair.
So, after getting up at about 6:15 a.m. I took a mid morning nap before some work in my office. After lunch I did go to the neighborhood pool once again. I am actually able to walk in the water the full length of the pool without holding on the sides.Ā The water provides an opportunity for some exercise that is still difficult against gravity.
I did call my neurologist and it looks like my myasthenia gravis blood panel is the same. IĀ was a little surprised by that but I am still gaining strength and making progress. However that may explain the nagging periodic fatigue.
Debbie was able to arrive home by 4 p.m. today. That is the earliest she has been able to come home from her work day in some time. It think she is ready to return to “full time” status in order to match her time commitment. My progress also helps with that. I am glad that I am more stable and making improvements so that doesn’t need to be as much on Debbie’s mind.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.Ā No longer will there be any curse. Revelation 22:1-3
He said to me: āIt is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Revelation 21:6
As I read these verses at the close of the Book of Revelation, I couldn’t help but recall the similar passages from the Old Testament prophets. For example… Isaiah 55:1 –Ā Come, all you who are thirsty,Ā come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Then I recall Jesus words to the woman at the well in Sychar, āIf you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.āĀ John 4:10
Then we see the river from the throne of God John sees in Revelation is reflected in the vision of Ezekiel.
The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east…Then he led me back to the bank of the river.Ā When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river.Ā Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river….Every month they will bear fruit...Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.ā Ezekiel 47:1,6,12
Water speaks of life for both people and nature. It seems that the mythical “fountain of youth”Ā brings a great allure to many people. Perhaps then it is no wonder that the Bible refers to God’s offer of eternal life as living water. Then we see the removal of the curse represented in a river from God’s throne with trees bearing fruit that bring “healing for the nations.” The tree of life that Adam and Eve were banned from after the fall, is now available for all to freely partake.
The bottom line is that God’s plan has been made known down through the ages. Both the Old Testament, the ministry of Jesus and the Book of Revelation that provide a hope for that which is far beyond our comprehension. When it materializes will be in keeping with God’s timing and plan. But our relationship with Jesus Christ now is what helps us to keep anchored and focused and brings hope for this eternal destiny.
I am reminded of the words of hymn writerĀ Fanny Crosby who wrote, “Blessed assurance Jesus is mine, O what a foretaste of glory divine…”Ā The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives bears witness that we are the children of God and then reveals to us the great inheritance that is ours through Christ.Ā (read:Ā 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 1:18)
You have a future and a place to look forward to!