MAY 2025

Waters of Spirited-Justice: A Reflection on Ezekiel 47

By Dr. Wilmer Estrada

In Ezekiel 47, the prophet is given a vision of a stream flowing directly from the threshold of the temple. What starts as a gentle trickle grows into a mighty river, so wide and deep that it cannot be crossed. This river brings life to everything it touches—reviving barren lands, healing salty waters, and nourishing trees full of fruit and leaves that provide healing. This vivid image of divine renewal serves as a powerful metaphor for the work of justice and community transformation, especially the meaningful efforts led by Latino churches through initiatives like Mission Talk.

"Just like the river in Ezekiel’s vision, it starts at the temple—but must flow outward, reaching deeper and wider until every dry and desolate place is made new."

The temple in Ezekiel’s vision represents the place where God dwells, while the water flowing from it symbolizes the Spirit’s life-giving presence. Similarly, Mission Talk sees the church as a source of living water—filled with grace, compassion, and a commitment to social good—flowing into communities in need of healing and fresh starts. This outpouring isn’t just accidental; it’s purposeful, intentional, and transformative. It embodies the mission of the church to bring justice into our cities.

Mission Talk’s approach of Awareness, Education, and Mobilization can be seen as the stages that replicate the deepening of the river. At first, the water reaches our ankles, then rises to our knees, then to our waists, until it becomes a body of water that covers all areas. Awareness is the first step, where the church begins to recognize the surrounding injustices. Education deepens that understanding, providing leaders with the tools they need to engage effectively. Finally, Mobilization is the point at which we dive in completely—the moment when the church transforms into a river of justice, actively flowing into the streets, schools, and systems of our society. This vision is significant for Latino churches in Florida and beyond. It is our time to take seriously the call to embody a Spirited-justice that brings hope to overlooked or marginalized communities around our churches. 

"The church emerges as a source of life—not just spiritually, but in terms of overall well-being.”

Ezekiel’s vision wraps up with a wonderful promise: “Wherever the river flows, everything will live” (Ezek. 47:9). This hope is at the core of Mission Talk’s mission. In neighborhoods burdened by poverty, immigration challenges, and systemic injustice, the church emerges as a source of life—not just spiritually, but in terms of overall well-being. It offers food, shelter, advocacy, and a sense of belonging. It bravely speaks truth to power and extends warmth and hospitality to those in need. It truly becomes a river of justice in every sense.

In a world that is thirsty for righteousness, the church should not hold back the waters of the Spirit but let them flow freely. Mission Talk reminds us that justice is not just a trend but a sacred calling. Just like the river in Ezekiel’s vision, it starts at the temple—but must flow outward, reaching deeper and wider until every dry and desolate place is made new.

About the Author

Dr. Wilmer Estrada Carrasquillo is the E. Stanley Jones Associate Professor of Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary. A Puerto Rican pastor and theologian, his work centers on Pentecostal spirituality and Latino theology. He is the author of Beyond the Temple and Hacia una eclesiología Hispana-Latina.