Revelation 22:1-21
Begin and end with Jesus
In the end, it is all about Jesus. It always has been about Jesus. It always will be about Jesus. Begin now to focus your life, your thoughts, your ministry, your evangelism and everything else on Jesus.
The Bible begins with Jesus. The creation of the universe (Genesis 1–2) was actually through Jesus. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… Through him all things were made’ (John 1:1,3).
The Bible also ends with Jesus: ‘Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen’ (Revelation 22:20b–21). He is ‘the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End’ (v.13).
We see how the world will be in the end. The language is figurative. It is not an exact description, but it is full of images of life and blessing. The Bible begins and ends with ‘the tree of life’, symbolising God’s life of blessing and his ‘good’ plan for his people.
In the new heaven and the new earth, there will be ‘the river of the water of life’ (v.1). This will fulfil the prophecy in Ezekiel 47, which Jesus related to ‘rivers of living water’ flowing from the Holy Spirit (John 7:37–39). It will bring ‘healing of the nations’ (Revelation 22:2). How desperately that is needed, both within countries and between nations. How wonderful it will be when the ‘United Nations’ becomes a reality.
The ‘tree of life bearing fruit continually’ (v.2), which was there at the beginning (from which humankind was barred because of sin), will be available again for all. The curse of Eden will be revoked (v.3). The word for tree (xylos) is sometimes used in the New Testament to describe the cross (for example, Acts 5:30).
In the end, you will see God’s face. No one could see God and live (Exodus 33:20), but in the new heaven and the new earth, you will see his face and his name will be on your forehead (Revelation 22:4). ‘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’ (v.5a). And you will reign with him for ever and ever (v.5b).
There is so much to look forward to in the new heaven and the new earth. Jesus promises, ‘I am coming soon’ (vv.7,12,20).
No wonder that ‘the Spirit and the bride [the church] say, “Come!” And let those who hear say, “Come!” Let those who are thirsty come; and let all who wish take the free gift of the water of life’ (v.17).
The Bible is one long invitation to come to Jesus. In him, you find the meaning and purpose of your life. Part of that purpose is to invite others to come, so that they too will find refreshment and fulfilment in the water of life that Jesus pours out on all who come to him.
The Holy Spirit and the church invite people to come and to receive the amazing gifts God has for them, rather than missing out on the wonders of the holy city (as with vv.11a,15,19). They pray too for the return of Jesus – ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ (v.20).
Lord, thank you that one day I will drink the water of life to my heart’s content. Thank you that I will see you face to face and I will reign with you for ever and ever. Come, Lord Jesus.