Say Yes to the Deep

Scripture:

"...so everything will live where the river goes." (Ezekiel 47:9)

Reading:

My husband and I sat on the beach in the late October sun, once again in awe of the enormity of the ocean. The salty air and sound of waves breaking offered a kind of effervescent comfort. We were utterly relaxed. But had we driven all that way just to sit beside the water?

After some hemming and hawing, we decided to move a little closer, ambling toward the foamy edge. Our feet sank into the sand as we stood ankle-deep, feeling the pull of the tide. Following one another's lead, we jogged a few steps into the waves, stopping knee-deep, laughing as the surf crashed against us.

We looked at each other. Now what?

We could return to our spot on the beach and be dry in no time. Or we could say yes to more. On the count of a hearty "One, two, three!" we dove into a crashing wave. Fully submerged, I could no longer hear the noisy gulls or wind, only the muffled hush of the ocean as the waves carried us along.

We had moved far beyond observing the ocean. We were all in! For those moments, we were no longer spectators; we had thrown ourselves into the experience, and I felt fully alive.

I wonder if this offers a glimpse of the life God invites us to experience.

In Ezekiel 47, the prophet sees a river flowing from the temple. The water grows from ankle-deep to a river too deep to cross. But the wonder isn't its depth; it's what happens wherever it flows. Even the lifeless waters of the Dead Sea become fresh.

"...so everything will live where the river goes." (Ezekiel 47:9)

Wherever the river flows, life flourishes. What was barren teems with life. What seemed beyond restoration is renewed. Ezekiel's vision reminds us that God alone can bring life where there was none.

Centuries later, Jesus offers this invitation: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." (John 7:37) He goes on to speak of rivers of living water, referring to the Holy Spirit (John 7:38–39).

We come to Jesus in faith and receive the life He gives. As His Spirit transforms us, His love, grace, truth, and goodness begin to flow through us to a thirsty world. Our transformation isn't something we manufacture through effort; it is the work of God's Spirit in us.

Friend, are you standing at the water's edge? Is there an area of your life where God is inviting you to say yes to Him?

The invitation isn't to chase a more intense spiritual experience, but to come to Jesus wholeheartedly, trust Him, and allow His Spirit to do His transforming work in you. Say yes to Him today and become a channel of His life-giving love to others.

Your Turn:

1. Am I observing from the shore? There is a difference between knowing about Jesus and actively trusting Him with everyday life. Where might God be inviting me to draw closer to Him?

2. Is His life flowing through me to others? How might the Holy Spirit want to express God's love, grace, truth, or goodness through me in a relationship or situation this week?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are magnificent, the source of all life. Thank you for inviting me to draw near to You. Please grant me the grace to say yes to You, to trust You wholeheartedly, and to dive deeper into Your love, following Your will. May Your life-giving love flow through me to others. Amen.