The River of LIfe

During this summer we have become all too familiar with weather forecast reminding us that we are in a drought. Water brings life to our plants. Water sheds beauty on a landscape. Water invites us to times of cool and wet recreation for our enjoyment. Water quenches our thirst on the hot days of summer.

Artists, authors, and poets have been inspired by the ever-changing beauty and power of water. The author of the Book of Revelation describes the wonder and beauty of heaven in an extraordinary way.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.      …from Revelation 22

The image of a river is used to show much beauty and also conveys to us that water brings life--the river of life flowing from the throne of God. The image of the river enhances the beauty of Heaven. Such a metaphor reminds us that God cares for us and loves us.

When Jesus walked this earth, he told us that he came to give life and life abundantly and that all who come to him will never thirst again.  As life is dependent on water so are we in need of God in our lives.

Campus Pastor Lane Skoglund-Anderson