Reflections on LifeSample
![Reflections on Life](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F37890%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The closing vision of the Bible is bursting with life-affirming imagery as it looks forward to the experience of God’s people in the New Creation. Combining allusions from Genesis and Ezekiel, the vision features both a river of life and the tree of life.
Both river and tree radiate life-giving potential to show that God’s provision in the New Creation will be unswerving and endless. Whereas some rivers in a hot Mediterranean climate only flow in winter, the river of life flows continually. In a first-century Roman city, if there was a river flowing down the centre of a street, it would be the local open sewer! In stark contrast, the river in the Holy City has a purity like crystal, as it flows from the very throne of God. No wonder they call it the river of life.
The tree in the Holy City doesn’t just produce one kind of fruit; it yields twelve! And, whilst most trees produce fruit only seasonally, this one can be harvested all year round. And the tree of life is a biblical metaphor for the life-giving character of God’s wisdom and word (Prov 3:18). No wonder they call it the tree of life.
Are your tastebuds tingling from the two verses of today’s reading? Why not savour the flavour of the whole chapter!
What a hopeful, life-giving vision to complete God’s Word! Such a vision shapes our current life as Word and Spirit people who, with hope, anticipate God’s final victory. We are called as God’s people to keep his Word (see Rev 22:7, 9). And, empowered by the Spirit, we are all life-giving channels for God right here, right now, as the grand story of God moves to its life-giving crescendo.
Prayer:
Lord God, I praise you for your everlasting reign that brings life to everyone. May your Spirit within me well up and overflow so that your River of Life brings blessing through me in every place I go. Amen.
Scripture
About this Plan
![Reflections on Life](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F37890%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? Unlock the answers to life's most profound questions by embarking on a transformative 31-day journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. “Reflections on Life”, which is brought to you by Bible Society NZ, explores the Biblical view on life and its meaning by reflecting on 31 carefully selected verses from the Bible. Discover the Life contained within His Word!
More
Related Plans
![Choose: Deciding What to Do With What Jesus Did](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48875%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Choose: Deciding What to Do With What Jesus Did
![Un-Failing Our Way Into God’s Unlimited Goodness](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48881%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Un-Failing Our Way Into God’s Unlimited Goodness
![Hurry Up and Wait: Six Days of Joy in the Meantime](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49125%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Hurry Up and Wait: Six Days of Joy in the Meantime
![Daily Grace for Moms Overwhelmed by Expectations by Beth McCord](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48499%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Daily Grace for Moms Overwhelmed by Expectations by Beth McCord
![Laziness Is a Serious Matter](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49111%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Laziness Is a Serious Matter
![Whispers of Grace: Prayers of Transformation](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49190%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Whispers of Grace: Prayers of Transformation
![Stories of Prayer in the Bible](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49015%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Stories of Prayer in the Bible
![Week 2: The Upside-Down Kingdom](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48644%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Week 2: The Upside-Down Kingdom
![Honouring God With Our Finances](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49115%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Honouring God With Our Finances
![Love Well in a Divided Culture: Navigate Challenging Times With Jesus' Love](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48783%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)