As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. Ezekiel 47:3-5
This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Ezekiel 47:8-9
The story of Ezekiel 47 is beautiful. We learn that this river of life flows into salty places and brings life with it, but it’s also terrifying. This same life-giving river is too deep and intense to cross, but in the story, we are invited into those dangerous waters. This story is a prophetic illustration of God’s life-giving power extending to the world. Later in the book of Acts, we learn that the church (Jesus’ followers) is the river of life that God propels to overflow and fill the earth. That is both beautiful and a bit scary. I thought these waters were too strong to cross. I feel like bringing the gospel to every nation is too difficult a task for broken humans.
That is part of the point, though, isn’t it? God invites us into a river and a story that is far too big for us to control. We are swept up into it; we don’t control it. If anything, it will toss us about as we leap into its waters. We are not in the driver’s seat of this movement. Before you panic, remember that these waters are life and life-giving.
When my youngest was about one and a half years old, I allowed her to push the shopping cart. I pulled her out and put her between me and the cart. She joyfully began to push, like she had seen her daddy do. The cart moved. Her delight was so great she was quivering with laughter. Little did she know, I was pushing the cart with her, guiding it down the aisle.
Maybe this is what it is like to participate in God’s work. We are invited into something far too grand to handle, but we are wired to delight in participation. The mission is too heavy and too unwieldy for us, but our father is pushing the cart behind us, and we get to squeal with joy as we push.
What is an area of calling that you may have avoided because you thought it was too grand for you? Perhaps you felt unqualified or too insignificant. Remember, God often calls us to things we can’t handle because he intends to be in it with us. Step out today.
by Aaron Bjorklund
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