Revelation 22. This beautiful picture of the world set in order at the end of time, when the final victory is won, has three elements: The new heaven and the new earth (21:1-8), the new Jerusalem as the city where God and his people dwell (21:9-27), and the river of life and the tree of life (22:1-5).

The river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city (22:1-2). It is a beautiful, abundant, crystal-clear river. Its presence in the new Jerusalem might remind us of the river that flowed in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9-10). The prophet Zechariah also saw a river of living water that flowed out of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:8). The prophet Ezekiel saw a river that flowed out of the temple that grew deeper as it went and brought life everywhere (Ezekiel 47). Jesus himself spoke to the woman at the well about living water (John 4:10-14, 7:37-39).

Living water is also a metaphor for the Holy Spirit, which God gives to believers in this life for spiritual nourishment and eternal life. By drinking this “living water,” believers are spiritually refreshed, given new life, and become a source of this life for others, as it becomes a wellspring of “living water” within them. This gift from Jesus is offered to anyone who believes in him. It is fitting, then, that we find the river of living water flowing steadily through the new Jerusalem where God’s people dwell.

On either side of the river, we find the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. (What fruit are you hoping for? For me, I love mangoes and papayas!) This imagery also reminds us that the tree of life existed in Eden, but humankind was no longer allowed to partake of it after sin entered the world. Yet here, at the end of time when all is set right, humankind has access to the tree of life again for all eternity.

John wraps up these beautiful visions and all the dramatic revelations with concluding words to his audience (22:6-21). The angel tells John, “Do not seal up this revelation…” meaning that it must be shared – the people need to know that this is the situation. Three times in the conclusion to Revelation the words of Jesus are recorded: “I am coming soon!” (22:7, 12, 20). The encouragement to the churches who are suffering persecution is the same as it was at the start of the book – Blessed is the one who keeps the words of this book. Blessed are those who wash (and keep on washing – present tense) their robes so they may have the right to the tree of life (22:7,14).

Whoever is thirsty, let him come. (22:17) The invitation to follow Jesus, to belong to the kingdom of God, to drink of the water that gives eternal life – this invitation is open to all.

Congratulations – you’ve finished Revelation! We start reading the Gospel of Matthew tomorrow, and then we will have completed the New Testament this year1