One of the many well kept secrets of western New York is the Sportsmen Archer's Club in Orleans County. The main attraction is Oak Orchard Creek that flows north on its way to Lake Ontario. Members of the private club come from many states to fly fish for salmon and trout. It is not unusual on a fall day, when the salmon are running, to see dozens of fishermen trying their luck. The colorful leaves, wide river and occasional call of "fish on" make it a picturesque spot. I hope to return in a few weeks.
The Archer's Club came to mind when I read Ezekiel's futuristic description of the river flowing through the eternal city where we are headed. It is described as a wide river that no one could cross. On the banks are all kinds of trees bearing fruit. Trees that produce month after month! Think of it.....fresh peaches and cherries year round!
The water has a magical quality that makes salt water turn fresh!
This river is even better than the wonders of Oak Orchard Creek. Fisherman stand along the shore because there are fish of many kinds.
Here's the key statement: "So where the river flows, everything will live." (Ezekiel 47:9)
Do you remember Jesus' words to a rejected woman at a deserted well? "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14)
I am not a member of the Archer's Club in Orleans County. I do not have exclusive rights to fish Oak Orchard Creek on that property.
However...........By the grace of God I have ownership of property on the River of Life. My citizenship is in heaven. I enjoy fruit from the trees and fish from the water. Drinking from the pure water gives me eternal life.
Yeah, I know. I don't deserve such treatment. That's reserved for people who paid for membership. But I am an adopted son of the Owner. That's the ticket in.
My prayer today is that everyone I know.....and everyone I don't know......would find their way to the River and take a big long drink. Where the River flows everything will live.....forever.
Be strong and courageous! MB
PS. Good to be back with you. Our recent experiences required more energy and time than expected. We are well and back in the game.