Faith of Crossing the River 2 (Jer 31:12)
We are in the midst of a river of sinful wrath. In the last days there will be a judgment on the river Euphrates (Rev 9:14, 16:12). But, when we cross the river by faith, there will be a new realm of life that awaits. When we cross the river of this sinful world, God leads us to the river of living water (Revelation 22: 1-2).
In chapter 47 of Ezekiel, life focuses around the church with the living Word. Wherever water flows from the temple threshold, the waters are rejuvenated and prospering. Jeremiah the prophet said, "Their life will be like a watered garden, and they will never languish again" (Jer. 31:12). Zechariah also said "living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea (Zechariah 14: 8)." The Prophet Joel also said "all the brooks of Judah will flow with water and a spring will go out from the house of the LORD to water the valley of Shittim (Joel 3:18)." Jesus said in John 7: 37-38, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"
These Words reinforce the experience of those who lived with pride and relied on the Nile, but now live on the living water of God's Word after crossing the river by faith. We should cross the river of the sinful world by faith, following the ancestors of faith,
The Word of God is a spiritual ark that crosses the river of this sinful world. Even though you may be misunderstood and persecuted, so was the work of Noah's ark, the prophets, the apostles, and the true believers. Row with all your might against the strong waves by faith, and move forward. The land of rest is coming before us. Do not be discouraged till the end. Do not sin in your heart. Help others in need. Strive in good works as God’s children.
Excerpt from the sermon of Rev. Abraham Park