Message: An Estuary of the Spirit / Acts 2:1-21
About 2,500 years ago, the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “A great country is like an estuary, the gathering place of the world, the mother of the world.” He saw something remarkable in the lowest part of a river, a place where many living beings gather and new life is born. An estuary is where a river meets the sea. It is one of the richest ecosystems on earth. Because fresh water and salt water come together there, many forms of life can live and grow. Estuaries provide food, shelter, and habitat for many living creatures, becoming an important foundation for a great city or nation. This insight is supported by modern research. In his 1995 book Introduction to Oceanography , David Ross notes that 22 of the world’s 32 largest cities are located on estuaries. Places rich in resources tend to attract people who are seeking new opportunities and a better future. Biodiversity leads to cultural diversity. Just as fresh water and salt water meet in an estuary, different ways...