How deep is the Healing River?
Ezekiel 46-48/Matthew 9-11
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OT
47:1-5 Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing eastward from beneath the Temple threshold. This stream then passed to the right of the altar on its south side. The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the stream flowing out through the south side of the east gateway. Measuring as he went, he led me along the stream for 1,750 feet and told me to go across. At that point the water was up to my ankles. He measured off another 1,750 feet and told me to go across again. This time the water was up to my knees. After another 1,750 feet, it was up to my waist. Then he measured another 1,750 feet, and the river was too deep to cross without swimming.
NT
9:5 “Is it easier to say, Your sins are forgiven or Get up and walk?”
:9 As Jesus was going down the road, he saw Matthew sitting at his tax-collection booth. “Come, be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
OT Flash Points
Entry to the Temple – the Prince & the people
Sacrifices – portions & places of preparation
Healing river flowing into the Dead Sea
Boundaries & portions of the land
NT Flash Points
A paralytic is forgiven of sin
The leaders say, “Blasphemy!”
Jesus asks, “Why are you thinking such evil thoughts?”
Healthy people don’t need a doctor
If you are fine in your own eyes, you needn’t apply
But for those who are weak & poorly, Jesus is here, come
The medicine:
• Go but beware
• Don’t be afraid
• Act as servants & students
• Love Me most
• Be loyal to Me no matter what it costs you & I will reveal Myself to (through) you
Perspective
Source of energy – concentration on the Cross & Jesus crucified, rather than the effects
And take a hint from Matthew, simplify your own story
Your act of obedience is what opens a portal for the Spirit to break through.