Sermon On Hidden Rivers

Hermann Hesse, a German-Swiss poet and novelist once remarked: “Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time?" That the river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean and in the mountains, everywhere and that the present only exists for it, not the shadow of the past nor the shadow of the future.” Isaiah 41:18 reminds us: “I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.”

A river is defined as a natural stream of water that flows through land, typically travelling downhill due to gravity, and emerging into another body of water like an ocean, sea, lake, or another river. They are considered an essential part of the Earth's water cycle, transporting water from the land back to the oceans. It's not a universally recognized fact, but some rivers are hidden, especially in urban areas, This certitude is becoming more widely known, but it's not necessarily common knowledge for everyone. Many cities, like London, have "lost rivers" that were once visible, but have since been buried or diverted underground due to development.

Rivers can be considered mystical in nature, particularly in spiritual and cultural contexts. Various civilizations around the world revere rivers as sacred, viewing them not just as bodies of water but as entities with spiritual, cleansing, and even healing powers. They are often personified as deities, with myths and legends woven around their origins and significance. Rivers retain secrets in many ways, from the hidden biodiversity within their waters to the historical artifacts buried beneath their currents and the profound cultural and spiritual meanings they carry. Rivers act as time capsules, preserving remnants of the past and revealing stories of the present through the life they sustain. Rivers can disappear naturally underground, especially in karst topography where they flow through cave systems or sinkholes. Additionally, many rivers, particularly in urban areas, have been intentionally covered or diverted into culverts and sewers, effectively hiding them from view.

The concept of a river being "everywhere at once" is a philosophical or metaphorical notion, often used to illustrate the interconnectedness of things or the nature of time. Rivers are generally considered a resource of continuous flow. Unlike God, a river can’t be physically present in all its locations simultaneously. While the water in a river is constantly flowing and changing, each point in the river exists at a specific location and at a specific time. Rivers are explicated by the movement of water from one point to another. At any given moment, water molecules are in a specific location along the river's course. Isaiah 57:15 reminds us: For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Rivers can fundamentally be linked to humanity. Mankind has always relied on rivers for survival and development, using them for drinking water, agriculture, transportation, and energy. In many respects, they could be said to be dependent on each other. Rivers have also shaped human culture, settlements, and even influenced technological advancements. However, like human beings, rivers have hidden depths and can be deceptive. Their calm appearance can mask strong currents, concealed hazards, and a fluctuating abyss. Additionally, pollution can be present even when the water looks clear, and climate change is impacting river ecosystems in ways that are not always immediately obvious. Jeremiah 23:23-32 focuses on the contrast between true and false prophets in ancient Israel, highlighting God's omniscience and the dangers of deception. It emphasizes that God is aware of everything, even the secret thoughts and actions of prophets, and that true prophets speak God's word, while false prophets spread lies with empty promises.

It has often been said that while some rivers may remain hidden, man has nowhere to hide. The passage reminds us: “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord. I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, who think to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal?