There are many pictures and examples of how we should live our lives in God’s Holy Word. However, even God’s Holy Land gives us examples of life and how we should live.
Dr. Gary Stearman has noted that the topography of Jerusalem forms the Hebrew letter Shin. The Hinnom, Tyropean and Kidron Valleys around Jerusalem form this letter. The Shin is the first letter of the Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, which is part of the name of the City of Jerusalem. The letter is not complete without a dot over it, and on a map of Jerusalem this dot corresponds to the Temple Mount.
Another topographic feature of the Holy Land is the Jordan River. This river gives us a picture of life. It starts in the mountains of southern Lebanon and twists its way through rocks and crevasses which causes it to be turbulent. This is a picture of our lives as young people.
Midway along the Jordan River is the Sea of Galilee. This broad, calm body of water is a picture of middle age. Boats can navigate on this lake. It is prosperous and settled. Just as our lives should be when we reach middle age.
Further along the Jordan River becomes narrow and at many places shallow and unnavigable. This represent old age where life becomes more of a trial. We may not be as prosperous and healthy.
Finally, the Jordan River ends in the Dead Sea. What a picture that is!
There is also an example for our lives in the story of this river. The Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea just receives and gives nothing. The water flows no further. If we just receive blessings in our lives and give nothing to anyone else, we are dead. Who would have thought that this would end up a lesson on stewardship?
However, in Ezekiel 47:1-10, the prophet tells of a river of water coming from the future Temple. This river will flow into the Dead Sea and will cause it to become fresh. Swarms of living creatures will then live there. This is a picture of how the Lord gives life. Praise His Name for the hope of Eternal Life. Praise His Name for the story of the Jordan River.