Ezekial 47: 1,2,8,9-12. **The angel of the Lord brought mr back to the entrance of the temple, then I saw water flowing toward the east. the facade of the temple was facing east. The water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar. The angel led me outside by the north gate, and around to the east facing side, there I saw water trickling from the southern side. ** He said, “This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh. Wherever the river flows every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live. There shall be abundant fish for wherever this water flows the sea shall be made fresh. Along the banks of the river fruit trees of every kind shall grow; Their leaves will not fade, nor their fruit fail. Their fruit shall serve as fruit and their leaves as medicine.
The water flowed East reminds me of Adam and Eve. They were expelled from the garden of Eden through the Eastern gate. I also hearing an oral tradition that the blood & water that flowed from the side of Christ, also flowed toward the east. “And all of the trees flourished”, I love that word, flourished! This reminds me of one of my top 5 scriptures: Psalm 1:3. This psalm glories in the person who loves God, our Blessed Trinity. Scripture, water, Christ, brothers & sisters allow yourself to be bathed in the waterfall of our intimate Blessed Trinity.
**All of these feelings of refreshment and flourishing continue into our Psalm 46:2-9. “The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling place of The Most High!! God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Therefore, we fear not though the earth be shaken and mountains cast into the sea. **There is a stream of runlets that gladden the city of the Lord the holy dwelling place of The Most High. **The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob. Behold the deeds of the Lord, the astounding things He wrought on earth.
1Cor.3: 9-11,16,17: Brothers and sisters: YOU are God’s building!! According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder, I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be carfeul how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, Jesus Christ! **Do you not know that you are the temple of the God, also that the Spirit of God dwells within you? If any one destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is Holy!
From trees & Living Water we transition our spiritual nature into buildings, a temple no less. Personally, as far as being a temple of the Holy Spirit, I am what you might call an “As-Is, handyman special”. I personally struggle with my 1Corinthian house, leaving me mildly disappointed in myself that I didn’t take better care of this temple. Then it’s not too long when I reaffirm myself with our Gospel John2:13. I AM a strong fortress for the Word of God, I AM overzealous in my love for all of the residences of our Beloved Trinity… Wooo – Hoo!!
Gospel, John 2:13-22 (abbreviated here). Since the Passover of the Jews was nearing, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, along with their sheep and oxen, then He spilled their coins and overturned the tables. He told the sellers of doves, “Take these out of here, and stop making my father’s house a marketplace”… ZEAL! (cont…)
On a sad note, this Gospel screams of complacency! How long, truly, did it take for the front steps of the temple to deteriorate into an open-air market? The tragic apathy of the temple leaders had also manifested itself in the faithful of Yahweh! Just like an infection that slowly festers and grows into an intolerable state. The stone steps cried out to be lanced and drained of this corruption. **YES! YES! My own zealousness explodes over my love for the Word of God and the Holy Spirit within me, His house! My spirituality is being pushed and dragged on a wonderful quest to eventually rest with God. Remember: One day you WILL meet God. Let your ‘zealousness’ gladden that meeting…. **May the Love & Joy of God be always with you, Mark “G”
I am Mark Gates, your servant. I currently live with my wife in Peosta, Iowa and have retired. I have spent my whole life as a God-fearing Christian, Mass Lector and cradle Catholic. In 1996 after a Charismatic Conference, My Spirituality ‘Exploded’. The Holy Spirit has since, blessed me with personal revelations and events in times of needed admonishment, teaching or encouragement. Having a personal belief and true affection for The Real Presence of Christ in Eucharist, and also a very sweet, tender, and special relationship with our Holy Spirit, I believe that our world is in dire need of Good News. I want my spirituality to create conversations! I pray that you allow these musings to start your own conversations.
