The Tree of Life
Revelation 22:1-5
The passage for this entry is Rev. 22:1–5. In John’s witness of heaven there is a river and a tree of life (vs. 1, 2). The water is “crystal clear” (CSB), flowing “from the throne of God,” and the tree produces twelve kinds of fruit—the fruit is produced continuously—the leaves of the tree heal “the nations.” Twelve is a “number of perfection” and the fruit is symbolic of healing so there is a double reference to the “growth” of healing in heaven. As you read you will notice the tree is unique as it grows on both sides of the river (v. 2). Like the Garden from Gensis 2, the river is central to the picture and the forest of the tree(s) are on both sides.
John seems to restate the prophesy of Ezekiel.
Revelation 22:1–2 (CSB)
1 Then he showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the city’s main street. The tree of life was on each side of the river, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations,
Ezekiel 47:12 (CSB)
12 All kinds of trees providing food will grow along both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fresh fruit because the water comes from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be used for eating and their leaves for healing.”
He also references the picture that is present in the Garden where Adam and Eve lived with God prior to their mistaken judgement.
Genesis 2:9–10 (CSB)
9 The LORD God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10 A river went out from Eden to water the garden. From there it divided and became the source of four rivers.
The blessing in heaven is eternal life in the full presence of our Triune God. There will be no need for a lamp or the sun (Rev. 22:5) because God himself will be the light and the relationship the Christian will have with God will be renewed! If the challenge in front of you is causing the hope you have for this great renewal to become cloudy, come join us on a Monday night—our community is available to support you in your need.