Revelation 22 reminds me of people telling me about their “Happy Place”. For some, that means a day at the beach, for others it’s a mountain cabin. Happiness can be elusive. Today’s lesson is about finding the real source of true joy. In this final chapter, John is shown an unfiltered view of peace with God in eternity. He begins: “The angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.” Water is life. We see a picture of pure, abundant life flowing directly from God. This river is accessible, safe, and limitless. Next, John describes “the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit.” It grows on each side of the river and produces a new fruit each month. Eating will be a joyful, social event with no preparation, and no clean-up. “The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse.” No more thorns and thistles, and no longer working to produce food by the sweat of man’s brow. What about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? I believe we will retain some memories of our old life. With an eternal perspective we can appreciate the contrast. I can look at earlier times in my life today with a similar perspective. Salvation produces gratitude, knowing some things will remain in the past.
John describes the new arrangement, with God at the center of everything. “They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads… There will be no more night… for the Lord God will give them light.” I believe we will simply reflect the joy of the Lord. It is always good when someone observes your life today and they know you are a believer. In eternity, our inner beauty will not be hidden behind wrinkles and scars. His glory will perpetually show on our face. There will be no darkness, and nothing will be hidden. John adds that “they will reign for ever and ever.” He does not say rule over or administrate. I believe that this kind of reign will be something closer to observing everything around us with total satisfaction.
Next, John describes another exchange with the angel. John is assured that “These words are trustworthy and true.” Our guidebook is accurate. Heaven is our reward. One phrase is repeated 3 times in the last part of this chapter: “I am coming soon!” This is a promise meant to encourage. The word used for “soon” means both quickly, and suddenly. There is a clear desire for Christians to live in a state of hopeful readiness. Jesus will return in the blink of an eye to receive His bride. We should not worship the fleeting happiness of earthly pleasure. John adds: “Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” Those prophesies are made to God’s chosen people, the Jews. The invitation of forgiveness is extended to anyone that will believe the promise that God has given us a Savior to pay the penalty for our sin. All divisions will fade away. Jews and Gentiles will be as one. John is instructed: “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.” As the Day draws near, mankind will search for pleasure in every possible extreme. Our job is to live out and point to the Word of God. The book of Revelation closes with an epilogue, extending a welcome to everyone that will receive it: “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony… I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Jesus is Messiah. He calls to all who are searching to “Come!” He calls to “the one who is thirsty” and “the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” John, the last apostle, then warns not to add or take away anything from what is written. Friend, nothing on earth can fully satisfy. Only unity with God in eternity will bring perfect joy.