Ezekiel 47–48 and John 7:37–39
The Bible often speaks of water in both natural and spiritual terms. It is one of the most essential elements of life—every human body depends on clean water to survive, and every soul depends on the Living Water that flows from God. In the vision of Ezekiel 47–48 and in the words of Jesus in John 7:37–39, we see a divine thread that ties together the promise of God’s life-giving presence, the hope of restoration, and the calling of believers to be channels of that Living Water to the world.
Ezekiel’s Vision of the River of Life (Ezekiel 47)
Ezekiel 47 describes a river flowing from the threshold of the temple. At first, the waters are shallow—ankle-deep, then knee-deep, then waist-deep—until they become a river that cannot be crossed, “waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over” (Ezekiel 47:5). This is no ordinary river. Wherever the river flows, life springs forth. Trees bear fruit every month, and their leaves are for healing. Fish abound in the waters. What was once barren and salty becomes fresh and alive.
This vision is more than a picture of physical water—it is a symbol of the Spirit of God flowing out from His presence to renew creation. The progressive depth of the water illustrates how God’s Spirit works: He begins with a trickle but soon becomes an overwhelming, unstoppable flood of life.
In practical terms, Ezekiel’s vision reminds us that God intends His people to experience abundance, healing, and restoration through His Spirit. But it also has a broader implication: just as the river brings life wherever it flows, God’s people are to carry His presence into dry and thirsty places. Spiritually, this means proclaiming the gospel to the nations; physically, it can mean providing literal water to those who thirst.
The Inheritance of the Land (Ezekiel 48)
In Ezekiel 48, the prophet describes the apportioning of land among the tribes of Israel, culminating in the name of the city: “The Lord is there” (Ezekiel 48:35). The inheritance is not merely about boundaries; it is about God’s people living in the continual presence of their God.
This final note is crucial: the land is alive, fruitful, and sustaining because the Lord is there. When His presence dwells among His people, there is peace, provision, and unity. Without Him, even the most fertile land becomes barren.
For us today, this is a prophetic picture of the Church—the Body of Christ—inhabiting the inheritance of God’s Kingdom. Wherever His Spirit dwells, there is abundance. Our calling, therefore, is to manifest the presence of God in tangible ways: through worship, proclamation of the gospel, acts of service, and meeting the needs of the vulnerable.
Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Living Water (John 7:37–39)
Centuries after Ezekiel’s vision, Jesus stood in the temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles and cried out:
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37–38)
John explains that Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit, whom believers would receive after His glorification. In this moment, Jesus reveals Himself as the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s vision: He is the temple from which the living waters flow, and the Spirit He gives is the river of life that renews the world.
This is a profound truth. The Spirit is not only for personal refreshment but also for mission. Out of the believer’s heart will flow rivers of living water—meaning, God’s people become channels of His life to others. Just as the river in Ezekiel brought healing and abundance to the barren land, so the Spirit in the believer brings life to those who thirst for God.
The Call of Clean Living Water
For Clean Living Water, this biblical imagery carries both spiritual and practical meaning. Spiritually, the ministry flows from Christ, the source of Living Water, proclaiming the gospel and leading people into the life of the Spirit. Practically, it means bringing actual clean water to communities where thirst and disease rob people of life and dignity.
In many ways, providing clean water is a prophetic act. Just as Ezekiel’s river turned salty waters fresh, so too does a well, pump, or sustainable water system transform a community. Where once there was scarcity and sickness, there is now health, growth, and hope. And just as Jesus promised rivers of living water to flow from believers, so too are we called to allow God’s Spirit to flow through us—meeting both spiritual and physical needs.
CONCLUSION
Ezekiel’s river, the inheritance of God’s presence, and Jesus’ promise of living water all point to the same reality: God desires to bring life where there is death, fullness where there is lack, and refreshment where there is thirst.
When we join in His mission—whether by preaching the gospel, discipling believers, or digging wells—we participate in this river of life. And as the name of the final city declares, “The Lord is there.” Wherever His people bring His Spirit and His provision, His presence dwells, and life flows abundantly.
