We continue our trip through the Bible with today’s reading from the prophet Ezekiel describing one of a number of visions Ezekiel has throughout this massive book.  The historical situation is that Ezekiel is with the other Judaic exiles in Babylon, Jerusalem having not only been conquered, but destroyed.  Every aspect of their lives has been upended, and they are lost in every sense.  In this vision, Ezekiel is led through the restored Jerusalem and sees, flowing from the Temple, a tiny trickle of a stream.  He is led further, and as the vision progresses, the trickle becomes a stream, a river, and then a river so broad he could not cross it.  But it is a life-giving river, one that enables fruit trees to grow in desert land and an abundance of fish even to the Dead Sea.  In the midst of the despair of exile, this stream gives abundant life.  It is reminiscent of the scene in John 7.37f when Jesus cries out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink,” then, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”  If we are open to this living water, even in our times of deepest despair, God is there to provide unimaginable life.    (NOTE:  Rev. Will McLeane, our new Pastor of Spiritual Formation, is preaching today.  Reflecting the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)