Sermon On The River Of Life

Jeffrey R. Anderson, author of ”The Nature Of Things - Navigating Everyday Life With Grace.” once remarked: "The river is one of my favourite metaphors, the symbol of the great flow of Life Itself. The river begins at Source, and returns to Source, unerringly.” Revelation 22:1 confirms: "And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."

The river of life is said to represent God's life-giving presence. Psalm 46:4-5 reminds us: "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns."

Rivers follow a defined path dictated by the position of the banks on either side. These banks provide definitive guidance in the containment of the water and prevent deviation from the intended path. Rivers are often tidal that flow or ebb according to the time of day.

Tides are controlled by the moon. According to science, the moon creates a gravitational pull which, according to its position, creates a tidal stream. It is responsible for diverse phenomena which include the state of a tide at a particular time of day.

Although time itself is irreversible, it can, when combined with the tidewater, change the direction in which the river flows. Likewise with mankind. Tides maintain a consistency and management that provide a certain stability for the ever-changing water level, no matter in which direction it may be flowing. The level of water present will rise and fall depending on the state of the tide, but at two individual points in every day, the average and acceptable level will attain its norm and remain still. This is known as slack water.

When people change direction in life and choose a life not only of trust and faith with God but actively seeking Him, then they also become part of the river of life. Jesus is the primary source of that river of life. Deuteronomy 28:1-6 reminds us: “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.”

A clock displays time. If it is an accurate timepiece that has been set up correctly, then it will show the correct time of day for the region in which it is situated. A clock may be digital or analogue. Irrespective of the type of display on show, it performs an important function and that is primarily information or a message. It allows an individual to time-manage proposed future thoughts and actions. Andy Warhol, an American artist, film director and producer once remarked: “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” James 4:13-15 confirms: "Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

Time is an important commodity that releases no one from its grasp. However, it has never been known to stand still. Without the progression of time, everything would remain static. We have little choice in the matter, it is there to stay whether we like it or not. Movement in any direction whether it be forward, backwards or sideways could not occur without it. However, time allows the ability to plan and structure our lives including our daily activities. As a general rule, it allows for periods of work, relaxation and sleep to recharge our bodily batteries. Good time management skills are important to all and can greatly increase the benefits in life if we utilise them efficiently.

Once time has past it can never be regained. It effectively becomes a lost enigma. Some people are known to kill time, others to waste it, but for the wise and prudent, the best use of all is to savour and utilize every moment to the best possible effect. This not only provides productivity but accomplishment. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a French writer, poet, aristocrat and journalist once remarked: “It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”