Waiting for True Life
For Meditation
After many weeks of studying this book together, we finally come to the end. And as we will see, the end brings us to the beginning. That is literally so, as Revelation 22 is replete with imagery taken directly from the first few chapters of the book of Genesis. First, we see the “river of life,” much like the rivers that flowed through the garden of Eden. Then we see that the river is lined with the “Tree of Life,” the tree that was in the center of Eden. Finally, we hear that there is no longer any curse, a reference directly from the curse that fell on Adam and Eve in Revelation 3 because of their rebellion. In a truly masterful way, John ties the entire story of the Bible together by demonstrating that in one final and loving act of grace, God restores everything that was lost, yet makes it even better- because now humanity is together with God not just in a garden but in a garden-city, where all the best of human culture and activity come together under the full and beautiful reign of God.
The promise we are made in this final chapter is eternal life. But the phrase “eternal life” does not mean simply a biological extension of our current existence. It is the total transformation of life, in which we experience life on earth finally as we all long for. And the invitation we are left with in this chapter is to come and drink of this life– an invitation we can take now, even before the new creation has come.
In preparation for worship, read the first few chapters of Genesis, contemplate the kind of life we were made for, and the life that is now given to us in Jesus and is promised to us in the new creation.
Revelation 22:1–7, 17, 20-21
1 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 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”
7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.