“Also, on either side of the river, the tree of life, with its twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” – Revelation 22:2b

Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-5

The picture of paradise continues with a picture of a tree of life on both sides of the river of life. We read of the tree of life in Genesis where Eden was at the headwaters of four great rivers. There Adam worked and lived in fellowship with God, glorifying Him in true knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. The tree was a sign and seal of God’s favour, which is the essence of life itself. Apart from God’s favour, there is death. So we see that since man sinned, death reigns along with increasing corruption and disease.

Paradise restored gives access to the tree of life on both sides of the river. All restrictions from it are removed, and not only do we have the river that nourishes us, but we continually have the marvellous fruit of the tree of life and its leaves! In glory, we have healing from all our diseases. We have abundant life, indicated by 12 kinds of fruit every month!

On either side of the river flowing down the center of the city, we have a picture of a park or paradise. It portrays a place of marvellous fellowship with God and each other. No more curse, for the price has been paid. God Himself will provide all we need for fellowship with Him and each other. God is enthroned in our midst! We will worship Him in our submission to His will, being and doing what we are made to be and do.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for the day when there will be no more sin and its consequences. Pray for the day when nothing will inhibit our worship, our glorifying and enjoyment of God in all we are and do.

Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.