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. … 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.
Rev 22:2-5
What a glorious picture of abounding fertility, of life on every side — a river of life, a tree of life.
Both of these are found in the Old Testament.
Psalm 46:4a says, There is a river that makes glad the city of God
.
Ezekiel describes a river flowing out from the throne of God.
It is a wonderful river to swim in.
And the tree of life is found in the Garden of Eden.
It is right there in the Garden, along with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but here it is back again.
The river symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, on one occasion, of those who believe in him, out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water
(John 7:38 KJV).
The tree is a symbol of Jesus himself.
He is the way, the truth and the life, the tree of life.
When we obey the Word of God, we are eating and feeding on Jesus and drawing life from that nourishment.
The word of God brings spiritual health.
We flourish when we follow his word and obey and live by it.
No wonder that, from this magnificent scene of life, there flow three wonderful ministries: First, empowered service.
His servants will serve him.
There is nothing they could ask for more than that; there is no greater pleasure or joy than the service of God.
Second, they will be in intimate fellowship — they will see his face, and bear his name, just as a bride bears her husband's name and sees his face.
Third, they will have enlightened authority.
They shall reign forever and ever.
Do you think heaven is going to be boring?
No, boredom is a sign of selfishness.
When you are bored, it is because you are selfish.
You want someone to do something for you; you want some excitement to minister to you.
But all selfishness will be ended then, and therefore there will be no boredom in heaven.
There is continual excitement, discovery, anticipation, and constant gratitude and praise.
Lord, thank you for this glorious vision. Help me each day to feed upon your nourishing word, obeying it out of grateful love. Amen.
Life Application
Are you bored, or are you feeding on Jesus and drawing life from the nourishment that obedience brings?
This Daily Devotion was Inspired by one of Ray's Messages
The City of Glory
Listen to Ray