Seeking the Source
November 19, 2009 at 11:28 am | In BiblicalSwimming | Leave a CommentTags: swimming, Biblical swimming, swimming in the Bible, swimming lessons, water in the Bible, God's grace, swimmers, swim lessons, spiritual resources, spiritual swimming lessons, Ezekiel, Ezekiel 47, blessings, Ezekiel's vision, swimming in grace, waters to swim in, swimming in the deep, swimming in the deep end, swim, lakes, rivers, bays, coves, creeks, source, underground springs, puddles, rain, bodies of water, fountains, Biblical water, Blesser, Blessor, splashing, splashing around, soaking, God the Source
Some lakes are formed by rivers or streams flowing into a lower land area. Bays are formed when the ocean washes into a cove. Some creeks are formed by water springing up from an underground source. Puddles are formed by rain falling down. The point is, bodies of water have sources.
As the angel in Ezekiel 47 brought the prophet to the place where the waters of God’s grace were deep enough to swim in, he paused.
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Ezekiel 47:5
At that point, the angel turned Ezekiel around, and they returned to the brink of the river.
And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.
Ezekiel 47:6
The river of God’s grace which flows steadily into the lives of Christians is a wonderful thing. It brings such blessings, in fact, that there is a temptation to bask in these blessings, and to forget the Source of the river. In other words, we sometimes enjoy the blessings and ignore the “Blessor.” When you find yourself saturated in the grace of God, and you are splashing, soaking, and swimming in His blessings, do not forget to seek the Source of the river of life. The sweetest, coolest, and best waters are found in the presence of the Source Himself.
Getting Your Feet Wet
November 3, 2009 at 1:34 pm | In BiblicalSwimming | Leave a CommentTags: swimming, Biblical swimming, swimming in the Bible, swimming lessons, deep water, swimming lesson, water in the Bible, Genesis 18, God's grace, swimmers, Romans 5, swim lessons, Apostles, Disciples, spiritual swimming lessons, John 13, foot-washing, Ezekiel, Ezekiel 47, grace of God, Ezekiel's vision, swimming in grace, Biblical waters, waters to swim in, swimming in the deep end, wet feet, getting your feet wet, swim, water temperature, Jesus the Servant, foot therapy, ovrecoming obstacles, grace abounding
There is a progression in Ezekiel 47 as God’s angel shows Ezekiel the marvelous waters flowing from the throne of the Lord.
And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.
Ezekiel 47:3-4
The progression is upward and gradual. The waters reach Ezekiel’s ankles, then his knees, and then his loins.
When God wanted to show Ezekiel a picture of His grace in the form of great waters, He could have simply arranged for a great deluge to fall from above onto Ezekiel’s head. But He did not do this. Instead, the Bible has given us a great vision of God’s grace as a rising stream.
You may have seen someone approach a swimming pool or the shoreline at the beach, not yet knowing the temperature of the water. It is common on such occasions to see people testing the water with their feet. It is also common to see others sitting or standing in such a way that only their feet are getting wet. There is something reassuring and refreshing about cool water on our feet.
When Jesus demonstrated His great willingness to be a Servant to His Disciples, He washed their feet. (John 13:4-16) Jesus did this for a number of reasons. One of them may have been to demonstrate that feet would be important in the Apostles’ ministry. On these feet they would go throughout the world, spreading the Good News of the Kingdom. Therefore, their feet, prior to their holy errands, needed to be cleansed and sanctified. Another reason may have been to remind the Disciples of the refreshment that comes with being in the presence of Jesus. In the dry and dusty lands of Bible times, cool water on the feet was a very refreshing thing (and it still is even today!) In fact, the first time the word “feet” appears in the Bible, it is in reference to washing, rest, and refreshment. (Genesis 18:4)
For those who are weary from traveling in their own strength, but are a little wary of plunging head first into the deep end of God’s presence, God is patient to send His grace in a rising stream, so that new believers may first find refreshment and adjustment by going in ankle deep. Let us never make the mistake, however, of thinking that God’s grace is not deep enough to overflow the highest obstacles in our life.
…where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Romans 5:12
Swimming for Spiritual Fitness
October 19, 2009 at 9:06 am | In BiblicalSwimming | Leave a CommentTags: swimming, Biblical swimming, swimming in the Bible, swimming lessons, swimmers, swim lessons, Romans 12, Acts 17, sink or swim, spiritual swimming lessons, Ezekiel 47, Ezekiel's vision, swimming in grace, waters to swim in, swimming in the deep end, cardiovascular fitness, spiritual fitness, fitness training, low-impact exercises, Psalm 150, Luke 24, Psalm 78
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. It utilizes almost the entire body: the arms, legs, shoulders, back, and abdominal muscles. It is great for the cardiovascular system because it increases the heart-rate and helps to control breathing. Water can seem as hard as concrete if we fall into it from a high distance, but swimming in it is a low-impact exercise because it causes no jarring to the bones and joints. Water is thicker than air, so swimming involves muscle-building resistance.
The water of God’s grace is likewise a good place for spiritual exercise.
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in…
Ezekiel 47:5 (Emphasis added.)
God’s grace teaches us to present our entire bodies over to Him for our complete spiritual exercise. (Romans 12:1-2) The grace of God influences our breathing (Psalm 150:6) and our heart rate (Luke 24:32). The impact of God’s grace can break us like a rock, but He is the Rock Who then redeems us, puts us back together, and makes us whole. (Psalm 78:34-35) The very presence of God Himself envelops Christians the way water engulfs a swimmer.
For in him we live, and move, and have our being…
Acts 17:28
The Grace To Swim
October 2, 2009 at 7:31 am | In BiblicalSwimming | Leave a CommentTags: 1 Thessalonians 5, Biblical swimming, Biblical waters, Canaan, Exodus, Exodus 14, Ezekiel, Ezekiel 47, Israel, Jordan River, Joshua 3, learning to swim, promised land, quotes about swimming, Red Sea, spiritual swimming lessons, spiritual testing, swim lessons, swimmers, swimming, swimming in grace, swimming in the Bible, swimming in the deep, swimming in the deep end, swimming lessons, swimming quotes, the prophet Ezekiel, water in the Bible, waters to swim in
When God delivered the Israelites out of their bondage in Egypt, He parted the Red Sea so they could pass through it. (Exodus 14:22) When it was time for them to cross into their promised land in Canaan, their obstacle was another body of water: the Jordan River. (Joshua 3:14) In both cases, the people had to step out and pass the test of faith in the face of potentially overwhelming waters.
The prophet Ezekiel saw a vision of miraculous waters flowing from the throne of God. These waters grew deeper and deeper until the only way for Ezekiel to have continued his tour would have been to start swimming!
Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Ezekiel 47:4-5
A large area of water can be a wonderful sight for somebody who loves to swim. The wonderful refreshing waters of God’s grace are indeed “waters to swim in” for those who love the Lord. However, waters sometimes present an obstacle – and we need help to go through them. Thankfully, when God graciously calls us to pass through the waters of testing, He will also provide us with the grace to pass through, what we could never pass over on our own.
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
I Thessalonians 5:24
The Grace of Running Water
September 18, 2009 at 8:25 am | In BiblicalSwimming | Leave a CommentTags: Biblical swimming, Ezekiel, Ezekiel 47, Ezekiel's vision, God's grace, lowest, right, running water, swimming in grace, swimming in the Bible, the grace of God, the prophet Ezekiel, throne of God, water in the Bible
When Ezekiel was given the vision of God’s healing waters, he noticed that some of the waters were running out from the “right” side of the altar.
Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.
Ezekiel 47:1-2
This meant that some of the waters were flowing on the right hand, as opposed to the left hand, side, from Ezekiel’s point of view. However, we also use the word “right” to refer to something that is “correct” or “proper.” Therefore, we may take these verses as reminders that God’s grace, like running water, if not impeded by some barrier, will naturally go where it needs to go. In fact, water will seek the lowest level. The place where people are at their lowest, where they are most in need of help, and often where they are most desperate, is when they realize they are mired in sin. A person’s “lowest place” is the place where he is most in need of God’s grace, and, like the waters in Ezekiel’s vision, God’s grace always goes to the “right” place.
God’s Plan for Water Pollution
August 12, 2009 at 7:09 am | In BiblicalSwimming | Leave a CommentTags: swimming, Biblical swimming, swimming in the Bible, swimming lessons, water in the Bible, God's grace, water, swim lessons, grace, Ezekiel, living water, water pollution, ecology, the environment, environmentalism, environmentalism in the Bible, Christian environmentalism, Ezekiel 47
Sometimes I wonder if water may be one of the greatest things God created. It has many uses, and so much potential. Few and far between are the days that I don’t try to get it all over me in an attempt to get clean, or at least cool off.
When God showed Ezekiel the vision of God’s grace, flowing like water and glorifying God, a key function of these waters were that they healed the other waters which had become polluted and contaminated.
Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.
Ezekiel 47:8
This passage is a prophecy of the future, but it also contains a wonderful principle for our lives today. Are there areas of your life which started out pure, devoted to God, but which have become contaminated by worldly interests, fleshly laziness, or secret pride? The parts of your life which once proclaimed Christ’s victory and your deliverance do not have to be allowed to dry up and die. The medicinal waters of God’s grace can bring new passion and life.
And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.
Ezekiel 47:9
Imagine – living water healing dying water! The water of God’s Word, and the water of God’s Spirit, and the water of God’s grace can cleanse the filthiest pool, stream, river, or sea, if we will seek it.
Getting Ready To Swim
January 26, 2009 at 10:55 am | In BiblicalSwimming | 2 CommentsTags: swimming strokes, Biblical swimming, swimming lesson, count your blessings, Johnson Oatman, 2 Corinthians 10, Habakkuk 2, water in the Bible
We live in a day and age when the fountain of God’s Word seems to be flowing in pitifully small, and rapidly drying, streams. By and large, the practice of the world is to stomp right past the cleansing fountain of the wisdom contained in the Bible, and to wallow instead in the muddy imaginations of man. (II Corinthians 10:5). However, there is coming a day when “… the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14) In that day, experienced “swimmers” will have an advantage. Having spent much time learning to maneuver in the cleansing water of the Word, some will not be shocked or afraid as the tidal knowledge of the Lord’s glory rises, and covers the whole earth.
Over the past few weeks, our S.W.I.M. lessons have looked at the competitive strokes of literal swimming, and applied them to spiritual truths found in Scripture. This week’s lesson will serve as a brief review:
- The Backstroke: True disciples of Christ will encounter opposition that will at times push them backward into troubled waters. The Bible’s solution to this situation is to look up to the Lord, and keep moving ahead. (Acts 27:41-44)
- The Breaststroke: God’s hands go forth from God’s heart, and the love of God will cause His hands to reach out and push away the encompassing enemies of His people as they humbly call upon Him. (Isaiah 25:11)
- The Butterfly: Some swimmers follow strict rules of form to appear graceful, when in fact they are thrashing violently beneath the surface. God is not impressed by a false show of outward beauty or self-righteousness. ( Matthew 23:27-28 )
- The Crawl: Creeping and crawling is sometimes seen as a reason for scorn among the skeptical, but God has appointed to all things a time and an order. Just as there are nocturnal animals which creep forth at night because of the design of God, so also new believers in Christ Jesus must go through a period of spiritual crawling, before growing into walking and running. (Psalm 104:19-20)
- Freestyle: Competitive swimmers with the freedom to choose the stroke they want, will choose a style which allows them to swim most efficiently. Christians, striving for the prize of the high calling, see their freedom in Christ as an opportunity to do those things which are most profitable for the cause of Christ and the glory of God. (Galatians 5:1-7)
- The Dog Paddle: When new Christians begin to navigate the waters of spiritual maturity, they must be careful not to imitate, or pick up the bad habits of, those who would promote a “watered-down,” or ritual-based gospel. (Philippians 3:2)
Those who have believed on Christ Jesus in their heart, and who have called upon the name of the Lord, must dive into God’s Word and learn to “see what it means” (S.W.I.M.). In His Word you will find reasons to be grateful, and promises and comfort for the coming storms.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
(“Count Your Blessings,” Johnson Oatman Jr.)
The Dog Paddle
January 23, 2009 at 4:18 pm | In BiblicalSwimming | 1 CommentTags: beware of dogs, Biblical swimming, dog paddle, not of works, Philippians 3, swimming dogs
The “dog paddle,” while not an officially recognized competitive swimming stroke, “is often the first swim stroke done by young children when they are learning to swim.” (A Boy’s Own Book of Outdoor Sports) Although its movements work well for canines, it is often a habit-forming method of swimming for youngsters, and one which must be broken in order to teach them better, more efficient, strokes.
As Christians, we must beware of those who would continually hound us, while barking out false doctrines. “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” (Philippians 3:2) Doctrines that teach salvation through good works or religious rites may appeal to a spiritually childish part of us, and cause us to want to imitate them, but we are instructed to worship God in His Spirit, and to rejoice in Christ Jesus, and not to have confidence in the flesh or good works.
The Freestyle
January 21, 2009 at 10:21 am | In BiblicalSwimming | 1 CommentTags: Christian excellence, Christian freedom, freedom, freedom in Christ, freestyle, Galatians 5, Lamentations 1, swimming, swimming excellence, swimming strokes
The previous S.W.I.M. lesson focused on a swimming stroke called the crawl, which, despite its name, is actually the most efficient stroke for speed. USA Swimming lists the five competitive swimming strokes as: individual medley, butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke, and freestyle. “In freestyle events, the competitor may swim any stroke. The stroke most commonly used is sometimes called the crawl…” It is hardly surprising that racing swimmers, when given the “freedom” to choose any style they wish, choose the style which allows them to swim the fastest.
Likewise, Christians (those who are truly saved by grace through faith in Christ) are given freedom to run the Christian race in a variety of “styles.”
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)
The freedom we have in Christ is freedom both from the yoke of legalistic bondage, and from the slavery of sin. (Lamentations 1:14) But the Christian race is not a short “swim-sprint,” where the swimmer throws himself wildly into the water and violently writhes and thrashes his way to the other end of the pool, flopping out of the water and lying, chest heaving, exhausted and spent for the rest of the day. No, the Christian’s race is more like a long-distance swim, sometimes experiencing pounding waves, sometimes calm sea. One day carried along easily on the current, other times battling his way upstream. At times making progress through a violent storm, at other times treading in place, trying to keep his head above the surface.
The Holy Spirit commended, but also admonished, the Galatian believers in Chap. 5, verse 7: “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” If you are a Christian, you are free to swim in any style permitted by Scripture. This is the freedom granted by Christ’s shed blood on the Cross. If, when you were first saved, you made a public profession, joined a church, were Scripturally baptized – if you read your Bible, prayed regularly, told others about the Lord Jesus – then you “did” swim well. But if you have stopped swimming well, you should ask the question, “What has hindered me?” Are you sinking because you are burdened with unnecessary worldly possessions or interests that weigh you down in the water? Are you being slowed down because you haven’t spent enough time training with your Instructor or studying your “Training Manual?” Are you in danger of drowning before reaching the finish line because you lacked physical discipline and enjoyed the pleasure of a heavy meal right before jumping into the pool?
Swimmers, set free from rules which require them to swim in a certain style, use the style which allows them to swim most excellently. Christians should recognize their freedom in Christ as an opportunity to strive for excellence, not mediocrity.
The Crawl
January 19, 2009 at 9:56 am | In BiblicalSwimming | 1 CommentTags: Bible lesson, crawl, swimming, strokes, Psalm 104, nightcrawlers
The swimming stroke which is probably the most easily recognized is called the “crawl.” USA Swimming states that the crawl “is characterized by the alternate stroking of the arms over the water surface and an alternating (up and down) flutter kick.” Although this is probably the most efficient way for a person to move through the water without artificial propulsion, its movements make it appear as though the swimmer is crawling along on his belly on the surface of the water.
In Psalm 104:19-20 the Bible tells us that God, in His glory, has appointed the day and the night for different types of creatures. Although nocturnal beasts often move in a creeping or crawling fashion, they are just as much in the will of God as men who are appointed to be upright in the daylight.
He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. ~Psalm 104:19-20
Immature Christians are compared in Scripture to babies. (Hebrews 5:12-14) It is natural for babies to crawl. More mature Christians need to understand that, although moving from milk to strong meat, and moving from crawling to walking and running, can be a tedious process, it is part of a process appointed and prescribed by God.
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