Revelation 22
River of Life and Tree of Life (22:1-2)
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
These verses depict the abundant life and continual blessing of the New Jerusalem. One river, containing water of life, comes from God’s throne and waters the entire city. The tree of life pictures eternal sustenance and immortality. Both the variety and abundance of fruit are emphasized. (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, pg. 2017)
We Shall Serve, See, and Reign Forever with God (22:3-5)
“3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.“
The effects of the post-Endemic curse will be totally gone forever. God’s saints will serve Him and reign with Him forever. The greatest blessing of eternity is that they shall see His face. The name of God in their foreheads shows ownership and consecration. (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, pg. 2017)
Sayings are Faithful and True (22:6-7)
“6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”
These sayings refer to the entire Book of Revelation. They are authenticated as genuine by the angel who God sent to give them through John to His servants, that is, the members of the churches. (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, pg. 2017)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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