Purified by God
Be encouraged by today’s Scripture reflection and prayer.

Today's Scripture
And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
— 2 Kings 2:19-21 (KJV)
Reflection
Sometimes in my free time, I enjoy watching homesteading and land videos, especially those that teach about what to look for when purchasing land. I’m a newbie, so I find myself drawn to the beauty of the landscape, the acres of open land, the rolling hills, or perhaps the high points that promise safety from flooding. But there’s more to land than just looks. To truly survive on that land, it needs more than just a beautiful landscape, it needs good, clean water and fertile soil to nourish and sustain me.
This is similar to the situation in today’s scripture from 2 Kings 2:19-21. The city of Jericho had a beautiful location, but the water was bad, and the land was barren. So Elisha instructed them to bring him a new jar, clean and uncontaminated, and to put salt in it. Salt, as we know, has many uses. I use it in my home for food, cleaning, and even as part of softening water. But as much as salt has its place, it was not enough to heal the waters on its own. This was a miracle that only God could perform. Elisha declared that God had healed the waters, making them pure for future generations.
This miracle is a beautiful reminder of how God works in us. Just as He healed the waters of Jericho, He is at work in us, purifying and cleansing us through Jesus. When we come to Christ, we are made new, just as the waters of Jericho were made pure and life-giving once again. The miracle of healing in the spring is a beautiful parallel to how God works in our lives through Jesus. He cleanses us from our past, our sins, and the things that make us barren and dry.
In Revelation 22:1-2, we see a similar image of the healing waters flowing from the throne of God. These waters heal and restore, just as Christ heals and restores our souls. Through Jesus, we are purified, our sins forgiven, and we are made whole again. Just like the waters at Jericho were restored for a future that was once bleak, God’s work in us makes us new, so we can live for Him and bear fruit in every season.
Today's Prayer
Lord, thank You for the miracle of healing and purification that You bring into my life through Jesus. Just as You healed the waters of Jericho, You cleanse and restore me daily. Help me to trust You for Your purification and to know that You are continually at work in me, making me new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Before You Go
Take a moment to reflect on the areas of your life that may feel barren or stagnant. Just as God healed the waters of Jericho, He can heal and restore you. Ask Him to purify your heart and mind, removing anything that makes you dry or unfruitful, and trust that His healing is lasting and powerful. Through Jesus, we are continually made new.