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The Life of the City

As John brings his description of the New Jerusalem to a close in Rev. 2:1-5, he sees features similar to those in Ezekiel 47:1-12. First, a river flows from the throne of God and becomes larger as it flows. It is the river of life and carries “the water of life.” This is a rich biblical image. In John 7:38-39, Jesus says, “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” 

John, like Ezekiel sees trees on both banks of the river, and the type of tree is “the tree of life.” This will be no concrete jungle, but a city adorned with rivers, parks, and trees. The trees, John observes, bear fruit every month, and “the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:2). The fact that he mentions healing does not necessarily mean there will be sickness. In fact, John’s words in 21:4 tell us pain has ended. The trees will be a source of eternal health and wholeness.

The curse that so distorts life on the present earth will be gone (22:3). There will be a new harmony and majesty in all of life. That does not mean there will be no more competition. That is part of being human. Competition is the essence of sports and results in enjoyment.

The main feature of the new world will be the visible presence of God: “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” (22:3-4) Faith will be made obsolete by sight. Mat. 5:8 will be fulfilled: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

After John tells us for a second time that there will be no more night because God’s glory shines continually, he finishes his account of the vision with these words: “And they will reign for ever and ever” (22:5). This is God’s reinstatement of mankind as ruler of the earth, and no doubt the ruling here is similar to that in Gen. 1:26-28. We are to have the new world as our home.

Prayer: Father, give me a heart of anticipation. May I look forward to the coming age, to eternity in your presence and in your eternal service. Your grace will be eternally magnified. In the meantime, let me be a good steward of the resources you have given.