“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.” (Revelation 22:1-3)
Growing up in different places in Oregon, I loved playing in the nearby forests and creeks. Climbing trees, building make-believe houses and forts, and playing in water are favorite memories. I still love trees, especially when the leaves turn, and the soothing sounds of creeks or rivers, and how they sparkle in the sun. Little pieces of heaven on earth.
The symbols in Revelation 22 of the river of life flowing from God’s throne and the tree of life with not only varieties of fruit but also healing leaves for the nations are reminders not only of God’s life-giving presence but also of provision and restoration. We saw the tree of life God planted in the middle of the Garden of Eden, which granted eternal life to humanity. After Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree, God blocked their access to the Tree of Life and eternal life. This connection, the beginning and the end of the biblical story, shows what was lost in Eden and what is fully restored in God’s new creation through Jesus Christ, who embodies the source of everlasting life.
Some further study revealed this about the tree and river of life:
“Its leaves are for the purpose of giving continuous health to the nations. The river represents the Spirit of God and the tree represents the Word of God. These two, the Spirit and the Word, keep the nations in perfect health. The variety of the fruit and frequency of the fruit picture God’s full and constant satisfaction of man’s religious and moral hunger.” Gingrich, R. E. (2001). The Book of Revelation (p. 94). Riverside Printing.
There is so much to take in when we read and study Revelation 22, but we can be assured that “No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.” We will be in a sacred place of worship, where there is no need unmet, no lack of beauty or variety, no struggle, no pain and no need to seek refuge because we will be with the Source of peace, joy and strength, as He can be even now.
How exciting to imagine what it will be like for eternity with our heavenly Father!
Deb Hill
EFCC Member