(The Holy Spirit) 22. THE RIVER OF BLESSING
A.B. Simpson reveals the transformative power of the Holy Spirit as a river of blessing that brings healing, life, and continual fruitfulness to believers.
In this prophetic sermon, A.B. Simpson explores the powerful imagery of Ezekiel’s vision of the river flowing from the temple, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s work in bringing healing, restoration, and abundant life. Simpson emphasizes the spiritual growth and fruitfulness that come from being rooted in God’s presence. This message encourages believers to embrace the continual flow of divine blessing and renewal in their lives.
Text
"Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the outer gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out the waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and He brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim: they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. But the miry places thereof and the marshes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt. And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary; and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." Ezekiel 47: 1-12.
This magnificent prophetic vision is doubtless a picture of the literal restoration of Israel\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The vision of waters flowing from the temple
- Gradual increase in water depth symbolizes spiritual growth
- The river as a source of life and healing
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II
- The river’s impact on the desert and sea
- Restoration of life where the waters flow
- The abundance of fish representing spiritual fruitfulness
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III
- The trees along the riverbank as continual provision
- Leaves for healing and fruit for nourishment
- The sanctuary as the source of these waters
Key Quotes
“This magnificent prophetic vision is doubtless a picture of the literal restoration of Israel.” — A.B. Simpson
“These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.” — A.B. Simpson
“By the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Seek a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit as a source of continual spiritual renewal.
- Allow God’s presence to transform your life, bringing healing and growth.
- Cultivate spiritual fruitfulness by staying rooted in the living water from the sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the river in Ezekiel symbolize?
The river symbolizes the Holy Spirit flowing from God’s presence, bringing spiritual life, healing, and restoration.
How does the sermon describe spiritual growth?
Spiritual growth is illustrated by the increasing depth of the waters, moving from ankles to a river deep enough to swim in.
What is the significance of the trees by the river?
The trees represent continual nourishment and healing, with leaves that do not fade and fruit that is always available.
Who is the intended recipient of this prophetic vision?
The vision primarily points to the restoration of Israel but also symbolizes the spiritual renewal available to all believers.
What practical impact does the Holy Spirit have according to the sermon?
The Holy Spirit brings healing, abundant life, and ongoing spiritual fruitfulness in the believer’s life.