Ezekiel’s vision is finally fulfilled as the river of life forms part of the city of God, the new creation, in which God dwells with redeemed humanity in a place where “there will no longer be any curse”. In John’s vision, there is no place for a temple or altar, so the river runs from the throne of God down the main street in the city, lined by the ‘tree of life’ on both sides. Ultimately the river of life anticipates the new creation in which God will have lifted the curse from the earth (Genesis) forever and dwells with his redeemed people forever.

At the climax of the Feast of Tabernacles, when water was symbolically poured out, Jesus boldly declares himself to be the source of living water to all who believe in him. The water pouring ceremony, in Jesus’ day, was interpreted by the Jews as a symbolic anticipation of the messianic outpouring of the Spirit, pointing backwards to Ezekiel 47 (last week’s sermon). Jesus’ promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost as the Holy Spirit came and three thousand were saved.

Sharing from Ezekiel 47:1-12, Jane helps to remind us to repent, purify ourselves and ask God to pour living water on those areas of our lives that are dry and arid.