The prophet Ezekiel witnessed a vision of a river flowing from the temple, symbolizing spiritual renewal and life. The water initially flowed from under the temple threshold, gradually deepening until it became a river so deep that he could no longer wade, and had to swim. This vision is a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth and the transformative power of God’s presence. (Ezekiel 47:1-12)
First the water was ankle deep, then knee deep, then up to his waist, and at last it was over his head and he could not touch the bottom. It was a revealing experience for Ezekiel as God led him into the river that was flowing out of the Temple. And so it is in the river of Living Water that we are invited to wade into. Have you stepped in? How far?
As Ezekiel was led further and further downstream, he found himself in over his head. What does that say to us? The Holy Spirit invites the bride of Christ to wade in but some only step in up to their ankles, just believing in Jesus. Others go in up to their knees, offering prayers for the lost. Still, some wade in up to their waist, sharing their faith with others. Yet there are some of bride that get all the way in and let the current carry them along.
At each stage we have a choice to go deeper, and it is a choice that is left up to each one of us. We are never pulled in or forced to take another step. We are simply invited to trust in our bridegroom and go deeper; deeper into His Word and into our relationship with Him. It is His desire that we get all the way into the middle and let His Spirit carry us along. He will allow us to go as deep as we want but will never force us to go one step further.
There is also something else to consider… Our relationship with Him.
If we only step in part way then only a part of our wedding dress is going to be cleansed of all the spots and blemishes that we have acquired. Remember, the bridegroom is the only one who has the power and love necessary to cleanse us, His bride. If we want to walk down the aisle to meet Him wearing the perfect righteousness He has placed within us, then we need to get in all the way. When we have surrendered our sure footing, when we have gone over our head and asked Jesus to take total control, then we can be certain that no part of our cleansing will be left undone. We will walk down that aisle as a pure, holy bride, wearing His spotless righteousness.
The question is, will we do what the Lord asks us to do? Will we ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to go ever deeper? Will we once and for all submit and become the Spirit-filled, fully mature bride that Jesus is coming for? It is only in the Living Water of His Word (fully submitted and committed) that the power of the Holy Spirit will remove every spot and blemish. But if we just go in so far; just far enough to still touch the bottom and remain in control, then we’ll never experience the incredible joy and power of being swept along by the Word and His Spirit.
The only option for the bride of Christ is go all in… In Over Her Head! What’s your choice?