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Sunday February 22 - The river of life
Then 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... Revelation 22:1
Dear friends, this week brings our journey through the book of Revelation to an end. We have not sought, nor would it have been possible, to address the complexities of end-time theology within the constraints of Living Light. We close with a look at the last chapter of the last book of the Bible, Revelation 22. It offers one last glimpse of eternity, emphasising the need to remain steadfast in readiness for Jesus’ return. For believers, it inspires us to live in eager anticipation of the glorious future God has in store for us.
This opening verse sets the scene. Here we see the river of the water of life, flowing crystal-clear from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The prophet Ezekiel had a parallel vision of a river flowing from God’s sanctuary (Ezekiel 47:1-12). In both cases, the water symbolises God’s life-giving presence and his overflowing provision. It serves as a reminder that throughout eternity we will be sustained by God’s everlasting flow of love and inexhaustible resources.
The river is a powerful expression of God’s provision both here on earth (the passage in Ezekiel) and, in today’s verse, for all eternity. Psalm 46:4-5 echoes this wonderful truth: ‘There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her...’
Lord Jesus, crystal clear, life-giving water has value beyond words to the thirsty. I thirst for you! Amen.
Monday February 23 - The throne of God
On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit... No longer will there be any curse. Revelation 22:2-3
Before we move on, did you note yesterday the source of the River of Life? It was none other than the throne of God and of the Lamb. Hmmm! One throne and two persons. How can that be? – unless Jesus and God, having been co-creators (see Genesis 1:26), reign as equals throughout eternity. Jesus is divine!
Let’s for a moment consider the river. It’s a river of provision flowing from the throne of God. Therefore it cannot be anything but pure and abundant. The tree of life symbolises eternal life and the continuous provision of God. It represents the restoration of all that was lost when Adam was evicted from the garden because of his desire to live independently of God. Before his fall, Adam had free access to the tree of life that God had planted in the centre of the garden (Genesis 2:9). It was to be Adam’s eternal reference point and the source of his sustenance.
Furthermore, in the new heaven there will be no curse. This curse came because of Adam’s sin. In the Kingdom to come there will be no sin and therefore no consequences of sin: no more pain, sorrow, or death. God’s perfect plan for his creation will be fully realised; wonderfully his people will experience never-ending joy and perfect peace. I can’t wait!
Father, I come to the vast river of your love that will never run dry, a river of grace and mercy. Please forgive me when I drink from bitter fountains. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY