Revelation 22

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Revelation 22:1-5, Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

In this last chapter of Revelation, we find another metaphor for the new creation.  It is the river of life, crystal clear and flanked on each side by the tree of life, which provides abundant fruit.  The number twelve represents the sufficiency of these fruit, they will provide nourishment to God’s people for ever and ever and ever.  The leaves of the tree are like medicine, providing healing to the nations.  These beautiful images immediately remind the reader of the original Garden, Eden, the way the Lord intended his world before the fall.  Human beings will find their ultimate purpose and will live without suffering, but rather total contentment and satisfaction, something that could never be achieved before the curse. 

As we finish up the book of Revelation, and John’s visions conclude, we are reminded of the choice we have.  Do we want to take up residence in the Babylon of today, in those things the world promises, OR do we want to seek a life characterized by holiness, pursuing God, and ultimately residing with him in the perfect city, the new Jerusalem, the city created and sustained by God?  The book continually reminds us that the choice is ours. 

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us be a church ready for you.  Help us be a people ready for you.  Reveal to us those ways in which we fall short.  We seek holiness, Lord Jesus, we long for it.  Guide us, direct us, and motivate us to do what we need to do to be the people you call us to be.  May we resist the temptation of Babylon and turn our faces fully and completely toward you.  In Your Name, Amen.