800 Words

It has been almost a year since I retired from active ministry in the Christian Church. I decided that once Connie and I moved South, I would make Sunday morning worship a priority in my life again (plus, it’s more fun sitting with her). Believe me, I have not missed the weekly grind of parish ministry. But I have longed to hear, and be refreshed by, the Word and feast at the Lord’s Table.

At service, when it is time for the lessons to be read, I set the bulletin down, close my eyes and listen as the Word is spoken. At one local church in particular, the lectors are quite good, well prepared, and speak with authenticity and clarity. It is a true blessing for those in the pews when a lector has prepared for their task of proclamation.

Last Sunday, I was listening intently to the words from the prophet Hosea and struck by the phrase: “Let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

I began to contemplate on the symbolism of water which is deeply embedded in the world’s religious, mythological, and cultural narratives, reflecting humanity’s enduring relationship with this essential element. In ancient Mesopotamia, for example, water was revered for its life-sustaining properties. The simple presence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers helped to establish a national mythology, where deities like Enki (Ea), the god of water, wisdom, and creation, symbolized the protective and nourishing qualities of water.

For the Buddhist, water is associated with purity, calmness, and clarity of the mind. The lotus, symbolizing enlightenment, emerging unadulterated from the muddy waters. Buddhism, like many of the other world religions, has water rituals which represent the cleansing of the soul.

In Taoism, water is a primary symbol, embodying the principle of Wu Wei, or effortless action. Water’s ability to flow, adapt, and overcome obstacles without force is seen as a model for human behavior and ethics. Water represents the essence of the Tao itself, embodying qualities such as fluidity, flexibility, and simplicity which flows effortlessly around obstacles, illustrating the Taoist principle of yielding and adaptability in life.

For members of the Islamic faith, water is purity personified. It enables spiritual cleanliness. The Qur’an repeatedly affirms that “We made from water every living thing” (Qur’an 21:30), underscoring water as the origin of all life. Water is a divine blessing and a sign of Allah’s mercy.

But for the Jewish and Christian traditions, water (Hebrew: mayim) is far more than a physical necessity — it is a profound symbol of God’s presence, life, and divine speech. The Hebrew word for water, mayim (מַיִם), is made of three letters: mem, yod, mem. The first and last mem represent water, while the yod (hand) is positioned between them, symbolizing a hand in the midst of waters — a visual and spiritual image of God’s action in creation

In Judaism, the Word of God is inseparable from the symbol of water because water is the medium through which God’s Word brings order to chaos. Water is also seen as a metaphor for Torah, sustaining life as God sustains the world.

In the 55th chapter of the prophet Isaiah, it reads: “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

The writer illustrates the certainty and effectiveness of God’s Word: just as rain and snow water the earth and make it fruitful, God’s Word accomplishes Yahweh’s purposes and does not return empty (Isaiah 55:10-11). This metaphor emphasizes that God’s promises are reliable and transformative.

I witness this lesson played out each morning as I work in my garden. The tomatoes I planted weeks ago have taken off thanks to the warm weather and the daily refreshment of water. It is a mysterious cycle of daily renewal and sustenance. Without water, the plant would fade, wither and die. So too is this spiritual metaphor true for each of us.

When we accept God’s Word into our lives as a life-giving source, it has the power to transform and refresh our beings. God’s Word enlivens and revives the soul. In today’s world where there are plenty of examples of spiritual dryness, hunger and desire, the Word brings peace, strength, and comfort, restoring the human heart to God.

I encourage you to be take time to be nourished and refreshed by the Word of God.