The Word is Living Water

Scripture:  "He took one of the seedlings of the land and put it in fertile soil. He planted it like a willow by abundant water, 6 and it sprouted and became a low, spreading vine." ... "Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water." Ezekiel 17:5-6a, 19:10

Observation: Healthy life-giving plants are planted by a source of water, which of course is a metaphor that healthy people keep close to the living water. That living water is God, but even more specifically it is the word of God - his instructions, teachings, laws, guidance, and council, which when observed will bring us life (which is want Ezekiel 18 is about).

Jesus is that Word - in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. Drawing close to God's word - which is Jesus - isn't just a command, but it is the only way to survive.

Application: Today is the first day I am attempting to incorporate my daily devotions into my "standard" work day, and I am doing it by cutting down on my workout while also reading while I walk/run on the treadmill. I was worried this wouldn't work. However, today's scripture gives me renewed conviction that I must draw into God's word. I cannot just believe in Jesus, but I must be in the word. The Bible is the stream I need to get planted next to every day.

The Bible uses the metaphor of trees/vines planted by streams many, many, many times.  Psalm 1 makes the direct connection between the Word of God and water, stating that the man who meditates on the word of God is like a tree planted by a stream. Ezekiel shows trees planted by streams as something that grows and prospers, however such plants make choices to stray. When they do, they die. So being in the word - with the living water - isn't a one-time activity, but something to be done daily, day and night.

Oh ... and since I forgot to get a bottle of water ... after running 2.5 miles God is the ONLY water I have access to right now :-)

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with time to be in your word today. May this time be available every day, and may I keep you as the priority in my heart.