God's Flowing River of Life

Upper Delaware River

Our Revelation pilgrimage continues with:

"Then the angel showed me

the river of the water of life,

bright as crystal,

flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

through the middle of the street of the city."

        (from Rev.21:1-10)

I live within the beautiful Upper Delaware River watershed.

This beautiful life-giving river provides enjoyment of God's Creation when one takes advantage of the rafting, canoeing, fishing, camping, and scenic waterfalls. 

The beauty of the river continues during Autumn when the trees change color and during the Winter with its ice jams.

The river's beauty is deceiving, though, which explains the warning signs about life jackets and swimming.

Each summer some people choose to ignore the signs resulting in fatal and non-fatal drownings.

It seems to me we live in the watershed of the river of life. 

At times our watershed is bright and beautiful filled with the joys of life. 

At others, it seems dark with disruptions as our souls struggle and refuse to give up. 

For me, this winter's river of life was "dark with disruptions." That was especially true due to multiple trips to a dermatologist for skin cancer, 75 miles away, driving a 4-lane interstate, with moderate to stop-and-go traffic. 

I believe Revelations 21 speaks to us saying:

    From God's River of Life comes light; 

    there's a healing tree of life; 

    there's the flowing water of life; 

    and God’s own presence.

I understand God's presence as seen at the font, breaking bread at the table, and hearing the good news from the pulpit. 

I understand Revelation's river flowing from God and the Lamb's throne as life-giving as we are immersed into that river of life which is constantly flowing and renewing us. 

Revelation’s vision of God’s life-giving river renews hope for the future and the needed healing from the trees of life. 

Of course, none of us has any idea about dark disruptions in our future, but Revelation tells us God will bring crystal clear water renewing our souls.