Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1 –
Title: “The River That Has No Bridge”
Introduction: When I read this portion of Scripture I’m reminded of a quote from Paul Bunyan’s book, “Pilgrim’s Progress.” It reads, “This I have resolved on, to wit, to run when I can, to go when I cannot run, and to creep when I cannot go. “My way is before me, my mind is beyond the river that has no bridge.”
Ezekiel had been given a vision from God during the time of the captivity of Israel in Babylon. He had been a priest but during the time of Babylon’s captivity became a prophet with a message of hope and restoration for Israel.
God gives Ezekiel a vision of waters flowing out from under the threshold of the door of the Holy Temple of God and these waters become a river.
What does this vision mean?
It is obvious this river has a prophetic meaning. Why?
Because of ITS SOURCE. – “The threshold of the Sanctuary”
1. The river is flowing out from under the “Threshold of the Temple of God’s Throne.”
2. The river is actually coming out from the “door” of God’s house. – Let us not forget that Jesus said, “I am the door” John 10:7
Because of ITS COURSE. – “Came down by the altar”
1. By the way of the “altar.”
2. The altar stood for a place of Sacrifice.
3. The altar stood for a place of Prayer.
4. This river came “Down” in its direction of flowing.
5. This river of Grace finds its way to lowest and most needy places in the world.
Because of ITS FORCE. – “Everything shall live whiter the river cometh”
1. Wherever this river flows it brings “Life.”
2. It had power to “Heal.”
3. To bring for “Fruit” and “Freshness.”
4. The river has the ability to “Feed” you.
5. The river has the power to “refresh” you.
6. The river has the power to “cleanse” you.
Time for a “Definition” for the River. – It’s “Grace.”
1. Grace comes from God.
2. Grace is provided through the greatest Gift God ever gave the human race, “Jesus!”
3. The “Door” of Grace is opened through Jesus.
4. Grace comes into our live by Prayer.
5. Grace is an “undeserved gift” given to us by God.
6. Grace is ever reaching down to lowest levels of life to find us and give us life.
7. Grace brings life, healing, refreshing, cleansing, and sustaining our hungry hearts.
TESTING THE WATERS.
1. Ezekiel stated the divine man that was ushering him through this vision of the river began leading him deeper into the river.
2. Ezekiel’s first journey into the river took him out from the bank 1,750 feet and found that the depth of the water was only to the “Ankles.”
3. The divine messenger brought Ezekiel another 1,750 feet further into the river and the water was to the “Knees.”
4. Ezekiel was led another 1,750 feet further into the waters of the river and found the depth to be to the waist.
5. Another 1,750 feet was measured out by the divine messenger and the water’s depth was found to be so deep it could not be passed over.
This “River of Grace” is so deep and wide that man cannot cross over without “Total Dependence” on the “Divine Leadership” of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. With each step of obedience Ezekiel found himself going deeper into dependence upon the Grace of God.
2. With each venture of forward progress more of Ezekiel was submerged in the river with less of Ezekiel being visible.
3. God will never throw us into things over our heads without first preparing us.
Eph. 2:8 – 9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
