BE THE CONDUIT OF GOD’S BLESSING IN THE WORLD
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:1-2)
I don’t know about you, but I am thoroughly enjoying this Lenten sermon series on the theme of water. The work that I put into developing every Sunday sermon has been quite a bit, but it has been a rewarding experience. What surprised me as I planned and prepared this series are the number of references to water that is found in the Scripture beginning from Genesis to Revelation. God hovering over the watery, formless body of the earth to creating something beautiful where human life can flourish is the beginning of our journey into thinking about water. God bringing new life out of the watery abyss is a powerful reminder of His desire to be in relationship with humans.
The prophet Ezekiel in chapter 47 continues this theme of water flowing from the throne of God and into the streets and communities where the people of God dwell. It is no surprise that Jesus picks on the theme of offering the invitation to all who will come to him and receive this gift of water. In Revelation 22, John, the Apostle tells of the river that will flow from the throne of God, which will not miss to bear fruit, and which will be for the healing of the nations.
The words of Jesus in John’s gospel resounds in my ears as I think about water. Jesus in the middle of the Temple on the last day of the Festival of Weeks or Booths (Sukkot) cries out to all, ‘ out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ Jesus is reminding us that we are to be conduits and not reservoirs of God’s presence, love, care, and blessings in the world. Here is a simple definition of what conduit means. A conduit is a pipe, tube, or natural channel used to protect and convey fluids, cables, or wires. It also refers metaphorically to a person, or medium that acts as an intermediary for transmitting information or something to someone else. Reservoirs, on the other hand, are often a place where water is stored for future use. If unused can become stagnant and stale. The imagery of flowing waters is rich, dynamic, and inviting. Our task as a church and believers of this Living God is to become conduits of God’s blessings in the world.
When God calls Abram in chapter 12 of Genesis, He makes a covenant with Abram with these 3 promises – land, offspring, and being a conduit. Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
The theme of “flowing waters” and being a “conduit” is just not a Lenten theme but something we need to embrace and desire as we journey thru life in this world. The Serendipity Bible that I read offers these suggestions when we contemplate over the idea of “flowing waters. It mentions, “walk beside a flowing river or turn on the faucet for 10 second, touch the water, listen to the sound of running water or may be drink a glass of water slowly and be aware of the life-giving properties of water as you swallow it.” The chances and opportunities to think about water are endless, so keep doing it. Finally imagine with me this water flowing from the throne of God into your home, your places of work and leisure. May God richly bless you as you journey beyond Lent withthis theme of water on your mind.
Be the conduit,
