We have
finally reached the last chapter of Revelation.
Revelation 22:1–2 “And he shewed me
a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne
of God and of the Lamb. 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.”
It seems that the angel now takes John on a tour inside the city.
We are still talking about the New Jerusalem, which is home to the throne
of God and of the Lamb—notice one throne for Father and Son. Maybe it is
one throne platform with more than one seat. We know that the Son has
been seated at the right hand of the Father, and we have seen them interact
(e.g., Son taking the 7-sealed scroll from the Father) as separate entities.
Suffice it to say that the future will reveal the reality.
The throne is the source of a special river of water—the water of
life—and it is clear as crystal (again emphasizing the purity of everything
associated with God). There is no longer a concern about those in the new
heaven and earth partaking of this source of nourishment, since their eternal
condition has already been determined.
Again, there is reference made to “the street” and “the river” in the
city. It seems that the tree of life grows along the street and along
both sides of the river in the New Jerusalem. Evidently, there is going
to continue a marking of the passage of time, since this tree is going to yield
fruit “every month.” The wording of this verse is not clear as to whether
the tree will yield a different fruit each month or will just produce a new
supply of all 12 fruits every month. The Complete Jewish Bible
translation states “a different kind every month.” Even the leaves of the
tree have a purpose—the healing of the nations.
2322. qerapei÷a therapeia, ther-ap-i´-ah;
from 2323; attendance (specially, medical, i.e. cure); healing….
2323. qerapeu/w therapeuo, ther-ap-yoo´-o;
from the same as 2324; to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore
(God)…worship.
2324. qera¿pwn therapon, ther-ap´-ohn;
… a menial attendant (as if cherishing):—servant.
After looking at these entries for the word “healing,” it makes me think
that maybe these leaves will be used in our worship of God. It doesn’t
make sense that we would need anything for medicinal purposes. God loves
sweet aromas and was very specific on the ingredients for the anointing oil
used for the priests (Exodus 30:30-38). Again, the future will reveal the
reality.
Revelation 22:3–5 “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: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 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.”
Once again God emphasizes that heaven and earth will never again be
under a curse. It will forever remain the beautiful, perfect creation
that was intended by God for man from the beginning.
The “but” seems to introduce a contrast. I think it is reminding
us that God never changed and His throne is the same. Again, the reference is to “the” throne of
God and of the Lamb. Although referencing both God the Father and God the
Son, “His” servants shall serve “Him”—one God.
“They,” His servants, all believers,
will see (to gaze—i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable) His
face. There will be total intimacy—Father with children. All His
servants have His name imprinted on their foreheads. This reminds me of
the 144,000 who were sealed in chapter 7, and that seal turned out to be the
Father’s name written in their foreheads (14:1). His seal is permanently
and proudly displayed.
Again we are told that there will be no
darkness in the New Jerusalem because of the brilliance of the glory of God,
which will illumine the whole city. “They,” the servants, will reign
forever and ever. It would appear that all believers will have areas of
authority regarding the new heavens and earth and responsibilities associated
with that authority. You can’t reign unless there are reasons or
responsibilities to necessitate that rule.
(to be continued…)
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