Imagine a breathtaking river, sparkling and alive, flowing from the very throne of God. This is the scene in Revelation 22, where the hopes of the faithful culminate in an astonishing vision of eternity.
The Reading: Revelation 22
World English Bible1 He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
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2 in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
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3 There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him.
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4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
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5 There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.
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6 He said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon.”
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7 “Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
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8 Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things.
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9 He said to me, “See you don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
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10 He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
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11 He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.”
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12 “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.
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13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
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14 Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.
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15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
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16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star.”
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17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.
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18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this book.
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19 If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.
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20 He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I come quickly.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus.
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21 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Revelation 22 is a concluding chapter that paints a vivid picture of the eternal city, the new Jerusalem. Here, we find a river, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. This river nourishes the tree of life, which bears twelve different fruits every month, showcasing an abundance of life and healing for the nations.
No More Curse
In this glorious realm, the curse that has plagued humanity is gone. God's throne is central, and His servants enjoy His presence, seeing His face and bearing His name. The illumination of God's glory replaces the need for lamps, creating an everlasting day.
An Urgent Message
John, the author, emphasizes the urgency of these revelations. An angel reminds him not to seal these prophecies but to share them widely, for the time is short. As he listens, John is overwhelmed and falls to worship the angel, only to be instructed to worship God instead.
The Call to Come
The chapter closes with a call to all who are thirsty to receive the water of life freely. It warns against altering the prophecy, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the message. Jesus proclaims His imminent return, reminding believers of the blessings awaiting them.
Why It Matters
Revelation 22 carries profound lessons that resonate even today.
Hope and Healing
The imagery of the river and tree of life serves as a powerful reminder of hope and restoration. In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, this vision encourages us to seek healing and nourishment in our spiritual lives.
Urgency of the Message
The call to share these words reflects the importance of community and connection. We are urged to keep the teachings of Christ alive, living out our faith actively. This is where Sancta can help you find a church near you, connecting you with others who share these beliefs.
The Promise of Eternal Life
Finally, the promise of eternal life and God's presence is a source of comfort. It invites us to embrace our faith, reminding us that our actions today hold significance in the grand narrative of God's kingdom.
Coming Up Next: Matthew 1
As we transition from the end of Revelation to the beginning of the New Testament, the next part of our journey leads us to Matthew 1. There, we will explore the lineage of Jesus and the remarkable story of His birth, setting the stage for His incredible mission.