A New Eden
Over the last 2+ years, I have been on more Zoom calls than I can count. I would bet that you have also. For something that I didn’t even know existed a few years ago, it has become essential to meeting with people and organizations. But as helpful as that technology has been, one thing we have come to learn is that Zoom and other social media platforms are no substitute for engaging with one another in person, face to face. Revelation 22:1-7 tells us that we will be in intimate relationship with God the Father and with Jesus in New Jerusalem. New Jerusalem will be the Eden that God always intended for us to enjoy in fellowship with Him from the beginning of creation. I pray that this week, God will give you a foretaste of the joy and fellowship that He has promised that His people will enjoy with Him eternally.
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 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. (Revelation 22:1-2). John described what he saw inside the city of New Jerusalem. He saw a river of water that was pure, nurturing and restorative that flowed down the middle of the main street of the city. The water flowed from the throne of God. Importantly, we see that the throne belongs to both the Father and the Son. The water from the river nurtured the tree of life that John saw on both sides of the river. The tree of life is extremely productive, bearing fruit every month and it has leaves that have health giving properties for the benefit of everyone in New Jerusalem.
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. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 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. (Revelation 22:3-5). John saw the throne of God and the Lamb in the city. The presence of God's throne speaks to the purity, holiness and absence of sin that will be in New Jerusalem because God will not allow sin to be in His presence. Also, the curse that God placed on Adam, Eve and their descendants (see Gen. 3) will be lifted for those who enter into New Jerusalem. Just as Adam and Eve were able to walk and talk with God, we will be able to see Him face to face. John was told that there will be no more night, instead there will be the light of God that illuminates the city. God the Father and Jesus will reign over New Jerusalem forever (no elections or people vying for power!)
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.”
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:6-7). At the end of John’s vision, the angel told Him that He could be certain that what had been revealed to him was true and trustworthy. Finally Jesus speaks and announces to John that He is coming soon. This is meant to be an encouragement to all Christians to persevere in our faith. Through whatever trials and tribulations we may encounter. Jesus (our hope) has promised that He is coming back again.
The original Eden was marred by sin, and the world’s relationship with God hasn't been the same since. But John’s vision shows us a picture of an eternal fellowship for us with God in New Jerusalem where we will enjoy a new Eden and where The Father and The Son will reign forever. There will be no sin, no sickness, pain or dying there. And we will worship and serve our God with great joy and gladness. The ejection of Adam and Eve from Eden was caused by rebellion and sin, and the devastation of that still reverberates and causes pain to all mankind. But in the book of Revelation, God has provided us with a much needed vision of hope. That hope is intended to help us persevere through the trials we experience in this world. We can look forward to Jesus’ return and the creation of a new heaven and earth. For the day is coming when those who love the Lord and are saved through faith in Him, will be able to see God face to face and talk with Him just like in the original Eden. I hope to see you there... in a New Eden!
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
