READ: EZEKIEL 47:1-12; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-17

Anew thing is coming with the rising of the sun,
Old things have passed away; a new story has begun.

For death has been buried, wherever the life water flows;
In the dry, sandy soil of the desert, the flower now grows.

Animals and fowl have returned, filling the land with life;
Fawns frolic, wild goats play, and the eagle takes to flight.

The stream teems with fish, where salt waters are now fresh,
The river, widening still, brings life to all flesh.

The water, always reaching out with life it freely gives,
Thirst it completely quenches; all around it, abundance lives.

Trees ever bearing fruit replace the barren, rocky slade;
They nourish those residing there, giving rest beneath their shade.

Their leaves, they never wither, as they border the life water shores.
What waters could be so living, unless they flowed from sanctuary doors?

This is the paradise, in the place where all hearts are kneeling.
He’s provided all our needs: food for the soul, grace for our healing. • Madison Mae

• Today’s poem is inspired by Ezekiel 47:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. In Ezekiel’s vision, he saw a river of life. Later, Jesus announced that He gives living water and new life to all who come to Him. If we know Jesus, we have His living water flowing from within us right now, and we’re also looking forward to the day Jesus will return and make all things new. The book of Revelation tells us part of the new creation will be the river of life described in Ezekiel 47! How can these Scriptures give us hope? What questions do you have about the river of life? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 4:1-14; 7:37-39; 10:10-11; Revelation 7:17; 21:6; 22:1-2, 6, 17.)

Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17 (NIV)