“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2
“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
As John concludes his remarkable vision of heaven to close the holy scriptures, and sets out to describe the lush, flourishing trees, he starts with the sparkling river of the water of life. The tie between the two is inextricable. All fruit is borne of the life source of living water, roots nestled at its banks, branches reaching heavenward, leaves opening green and wide to the sun. The trees constantly bear forth varied fruit, offering delight to every eye and healing to all, and between all, nations.
If you hear the rippling and are drawn to that clear, flowing river, it is there you see the life it gives. Where there is fallow ground of soul, hope and desire can spring forth. Where there is spiritual, intellectual, or emotional drought, life comes. When growth is stunted by resentment, hurt, regret, or malaise, the Lord of life issues nourishment that stretches and strengthens. (Revelation 22:14,17)
What is our relationship to the River? Could we be described as a tree of life? Are we deeply rooted near the Living Water, rinsed with cleansing, drinking in and meditating on God’s word, and exhibiting- in demeanor and action- a vibrant life? Are we consistently bearing fruit of love and grace, firmness and forgiveness, wisdom and comfort, compassion and joy and peace? What healing do we offer to the broken, hurting, sorrowing, disenfranchised? (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:8)
How will we practice sending down and keeping faith roots deep near Christ’s life-giving water so we continually grow and bear good fruit? The leaves adorning our life should be desirable, nourishing, and strengthening, delighting sight and spiritual palate for all with whom we interact. Are we more known for provincialism, narrow living, prejudice, or for open arms offering delectable fruit of encouragement and blessing, and healing in relationships and understanding with those close to us as well as distant peoples? (Luke 6:43-45)
Lord, draw me ever near, and grow me into an ever flourishing tree of life for all I encounter, that they taste of Your fruit and see that You are good. (Psalm 34:8)
As the rain and snow 