“On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter” (Zechariah 14:8 ESV).
God gave the prophet Zechariah a word concerning the coming Day of the LORD when Christ shall return. Among the many details that Zechariah saw was a river of “living waters” flowing out from Jerusalem. This river flowed both east and west, flowing to the “eastern sea,” which is the Dead Sea, and the “western sea,” which is the Mediterranean. This stream flows year around, unaffected by the drought of summer.
Many interpret this verse as describing how the gospel will flow east and west, covering the earth so that all will hear. Others see it as describing the way the Holy Spirit will flow to everyone in that Day, giving them eternal life.
Yet some of us interpret this depiction more literally. For if we are to take the Day of Christ’s return literally, I see no reason not to take this whole description more literally. For Zechariah is not alone in his description. Ezekiel saw a similar river, flowing out from the Temple in Jerusalem, bringing life and healing (Ezek. 47:1-12). The Lord also gave the apostle John a revelation of a “river of life” that flowed from the “throne of God and of the Lamb” that brought life and healing to the nations (Rev. 22:1-5).
For God to reveal this to three different individuals at three different times seems significant and lends itself to be taken more literally. Certainly, the Lord would have no difficulty in making geographic changes to the earth that He has created.
Whether taken symbolically or literally, the “living water” portrays a Day when Christ will return and dwell with us as the source of life and blessing, flowing outward to continually renew and sustain humanity and all creation. These living waters will flow to those who have believed in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we look back in faith at the day of Christ’s first coming and we look forward in hope to the Day of His soon return. We may not completely understand all that You have revealed to us of this future Day, but we know it is good. Indeed, it is wonderful! For You are good and You are wonderful! Until that Day, fill us with Your Spirit that we might live for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.