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Revelation 22: The River, the Tree, and True Worship

A study of Revelation 22:1-9, focusing on the river of life, the tree of life, and the worship of God.

1. The River of Life: Provision and Purity

1.1 Source and Nature of the River

Verses: Revelation 22:1
  • The river proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb, signifying that all life and blessings flow from the one God.
  • The water is described as clear as crystal, representing the purity and holiness of God's provision.

1.2 Location and Significance of the River

Verses: Revelation 22:2
  • The river flows through the midst of the street of the city, indicating that God's life-giving presence permeates every aspect of the New Jerusalem.
  • This river symbolizes the continuous and abundant grace available to believers through the Spirit of God.

2. The Tree of Life: Healing and Sustenance

2.1 Abundance and Healing Power

Verses: Revelation 22:2
  • The tree bears twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month, symbolizing constant provision and spiritual nourishment.
  • The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations, signifying that God's grace extends to all people, bringing restoration and wholeness.

2.2 Restoration and Fulfillment

Verses: Genesis 2:9; Revelation 2:7
  • The tree of life is a restoration of what was lost in the Garden of Eden, offering eternal life and fellowship with God.
  • It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to provide for and sustain His people.

3. The Throne of God: Sovereignty and Access

3.1 Authority and Power

Verses: Revelation 22:1; Revelation 22:3
  • The throne of God is the center of all authority and power, from which all blessings flow.
  • The presence of God's throne signifies His sovereign rule over all creation.

3.2 Absence of Curse and Privilege of Service

Verses: Revelation 22:3
  • There will be no more curse, indicating the complete removal of sin and its consequences in God's presence.
  • God's servants will serve Him, emphasizing the privilege and joy of worshiping and obeying the one true God.

4. Worship and Revelation: Seeing and Knowing God

4.1 Intimate Fellowship and Devotion

Verses: Revelation 22:4
  • God's servants will see His face, signifying intimate fellowship and direct access to the divine presence.
  • His name will be on their foreheads, representing complete devotion and identification with God.

4.2 Eternal Light and Reign

Verses: Revelation 22:5
  • There will be no night there, for the Lord God gives them light, indicating the constant presence and illumination of God.
  • They will reign forever and ever, signifying eternal life and dominion with God.

5. The Angel's Admonition: Truth and Worship

5.1 Reliability of God's Word

Verses: Revelation 22:6
  • The angel assures John that these sayings are faithful and true, emphasizing the reliability of God's word.
  • God sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly be done, highlighting the importance of understanding and heeding divine revelation.

5.2 True Worship

Verses: Revelation 22:8-9
  • John falls down to worship the angel, but the angel rebukes him, emphasizing that worship is due to God alone.
  • The angel identifies himself as a fellow servant, reinforcing the principle that all creation is subject to God and should not be worshiped.