Many Waters

 “And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.” Ezekiel 43:2

When I was a kid, I loved rain puddles. My mom was a firm believer that unless the world was on fire, kids should be outside playing. After every rain, she would put on our rain boots and yellow slickers, and don a pair of ladies’ rain boots herself (you remember, the transparent, thick rubber kind that pulled on tightly over the shoes on her feet, with the little button and bit of looped elastic that would hold them in place). Mom, my little brother, and I would stomp, splash and laugh until we were all soaked, then we’d go indoors for milk and homemade cookies. No wonder I love rain to this day.

Water has an extraordinary presence in the scriptures. You could say, there are “many waters” represented.

Water comes in clouds, raining on a thirsty land, and falls as dew in the morning. It gushes as a thunderous waterfall over the edge of a steep cliff, or trickles as a meandering stream, or roars through a canyon, or is still and restful. Water is deep in the ocean, shallow in a puddle. It forces its way out of the earth (geysers and fountains), carves new borders to a land, waters our agriculture. Water can be mist, sprinkles, drops, downpours, ice, hail, snow, sleet, waves, underground rivers, in wells, in seas, in plants.

Some waters are for healing (Ezekiel 47), and perhaps tears are of this sort; and some are for destruction (floods, tsunamis). Water can be salty or fresh. It quenches our thirst, keeps all animals and people alive, and is used for baptism. Water, along with blood, came out of Jesus’ side when He was pierced while on the cross. The washing of the water of the Word sanctifies us, washes us, cleanses us (Ephesians 5:26). Water can carry us along safely in a boat, or sink us in a huge wave.

However the water comes, it is always under God’s control. No water has ever disobeyed Him. In the beginning, He made the waters that covered the earth, then commanded the waters to be drawn together in certain areas. He binds up the water in clouds (Job 26:8) or as if in a garment (Proverbs 30:4). He gives rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19-20). He tells the seas they can go this far, and no farther (Proverbs 8:29).

And He bids us come to the fountain of living water; in fact, He takes us there Himself. “…for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17).

After reading all this about water, what do you think God’s voice sounds like? For it is “the sound of many waters.” Can you close your eyes for a minute, and try to hear all this water at one time—speaking to you, calling your name, and inviting you to draw near?

One last thought: since Jesus is God, and He gives the Living Water (John 4:10), is it so unusual that His voice would be the sound of many waters?

Lord, we cannot fathom the glory and majesty of Your voice. The sound of it is like no other. And yet, You declare that Your sheep hear Your voice. We are a blessed people. Thank You for visiting us.