There Is A River (2)

Metaphors are such a powerful tool in any language. A metapor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action which it is not literally applicable. Such as saying, "I had fallen through a trapdoor of depression." It can aslo be a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else.

The Bible while using different authors employs this litereary device often, especially in the prophecies. One of the most famous metaphors in scripture is found in John 10:14-15 where Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd…and I lay down my life for the sheep."

But there are many others

Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of your hand

Many more but this will suffice

Our scripture reading tonight is a Metaphor this river is a picture of God's presence and what God's presence will do.

In regard to holiness the majority of the Pentateuch the first five books of the Bible and really the whole Old Testament is God revealing his attributes and character to humanity. In the these pages he reveals to us that He is a Holy God a God like no other, a God of gods in fact in his commandment he wrote there shall be no other gods before me - no matter what it is nothing can come before me in your life.

The law was given not to restrict the lives of the people so much as to show that their God was different from the other gods of those living around them.

His holiness was unique and more than just fire and judgment it was different.

He taught that that the priests could not touch unclean things, could not touch dead things, must wash and wear certain clothes, not because he is a germaphobe or neat freak but because he wanted to show that uncleanness and commonness was everywhere and would take over.

A process of ritual cleansing was instituted to cover their problems

In Isaiah 6 we find where Isaiah recognized he was in the presence of God and was unclean and thught he would die, however God had a remedy and instead of a ceremonial bath, a seraphim took a coal from off the altar and touched it to his lips making him clean.

There is another metaphor of a river found in Ezekiel where the river starts out as a trickel in the temple and ends up being a rushing might sea flowing into the dead sea and healing it and making it fresh and trees and plants to grow.

A symbol of God's holiness and making things new and clean.

You find this river later on in Revelation flowing out from the throne of God with trees on either side with leaves and fruit for healing and cleansing.