I write this edition inspired from last Sunday’s move of the Spirit and prophetic message I had around Tabernacles and His rivers that flow out of Ezekiel 47.
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s greatest desire has never changed, to dwell among His people. His presence is the source of life, healing, and transformation. Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent pattern: whenever God dwells with His people, something begins to flow, there is life, power, renewal, and abundance.
In Eden (Genesis 1–3), Adam and Eve walked with God in unhindered fellowship. God’s presence filled their environment and sustained their lives. The garden was more than a place, it was an atmosphere of divine communion. Humanity was created to live from God’s presence, not apart from it.
When Israel journeyed through the wilderness (Exodus 25–40), God told Moses, “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”-Exodus 25:8. The Tabernacle represented God’s mobile dwelling place among His people. Every detail pointed to His desire to be close, the fire by night, the cloud by day, and the glory resting upon the tent of meeting.
Solomon’s Temple became the permanent house of God’s glory (1 Kings 8). When the Ark of the Covenant was brought in,
“The priests could not stand to minister because the glory of the Lord filled the house.” The Shekinah Glory was visible proof that God delights to dwell among His people. His presence wasn’t distant, it was tangible, transforming, and Holy.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14. The Greek word “dwelt” (skēnē) means “tabernacled”, Jesus was literally God pitching His tent among humanity. He was Emmanuel, God with us, revealing the heart of the Father in human form. Wherever Jesus went, the river of life flowed, healing the sick, forgiving sinners, and restoring the broken.
At Pentecost (the Church Age), the Holy Spirit was poured out (Acts 2). The presence of God no longer resided in a building, He now dwells within believers. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16. The Church is now His living temple. His Spirit within us empowers, guides, and transforms. Every believer becomes a conduit of His presence, a carrier of living water to a thirsty world.
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.” Revelation 21:1–3. From Eden to eternity, the story remains the same, God dwelling with His people. The New Heaven and New Earth will restore that perfect fellowship forever, where His presence will fill all things and His glory will never fade.
In John 7:37–39 During the Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration of God’s dwelling among His people, Jesus stood and declared:
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” In that moment, Jesus was revealing that He Himself is the source of spiritual satisfaction and the fountain of the Holy Spirit. Thirst represents spiritual longing, for purpose, peace, and God’s presence. The River represents the Holy Spirit, God’s life flowing through us, producing fruit and renewal. Wherever His river flows, there is life, healing, and fruitfulness. (Ezekiel 47:9)
Ezekiel saw a river flowing (Ezekiel 47) from the temple, deepening as it went ankle deep, knee deep, waist deep, until it became a river too deep to cross. Wherever it flowed, life sprang up. This river symbolizes the flow of the Holy Spirit from God’s presence through His people to the nations. Ankle deep — salvation, Knee deep — prayer and surrender, Waist deep — service and obedience, Over your head — total immersion in the Spirit’s flow. “Everything will live wherever the river goes.” — Ezekiel 47:9
God is calling His Church to step deeper, not to observe the river, but to be fully immersed in His presence.
“If Your Presence Does Not Go with Us…” (Exodus 33:15). When Israel sinned with the golden calf, God offered them the Promised Land but said His presence would not go with them. Moses refused: “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” Moses valued presence over possession, intimacy over success. He understood that without God’s presence, every promise is empty, but with His presence, everything produces life.
God’s Presence Produces Life! Wherever the river flows, there is life. When His Spirit dwells within us, His presence produces:
Renewal and revival, Fruitfulness and healing, overflowing love, power, and wisdom. “You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” — Isaiah 58:11
The invitation is clear: Come, drink, and every dead area in your life will come alive. My prayer and declaration is that you would allow His river to flow through you, bringing His presence, power, and life to everyone you encounter. Not only will you drink and swim in the river, but there will come rivers of living water that will flow out of your belly and into the lives of those around you.
God Bless
Shaun Smit
Founder and Senior Leader
Faith Legacy Believers Church