Read: Revelation 22:1-10
The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (v. 2)
I find it poetic that the beginning and end of the biblical narrative are marked by the presence of the Tree of Life. In the beginning, the way back to the Tree of Life in Eden was barred by the cherubim God put in place after Adam and Eve disobediently ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. In the end, we will be given eternal access to the Tree of Life. We were created to flourish in the presence of God, and no plan or purpose of God ever fails.
Today’s passage offers a beautiful depiction of flourishing: a tree bearing fruit in all seasons whose leaves heal the nations and extend to both sides of the river of the water of life. This image ties together many of the ideas we have explored over the past two weeks: We were created to flourish like deeply rooted trees who bear fruit in suffering and grow into communities of justice and grace, extending forgiveness unto flourishing. Jesus invites us to drink from the waters of eternal life, and those who abide in him will bear much fruit with the help of the Spirit—fruit that will heal the brokenness of this world.
No matter what season of life we are in, God invites us to flourish in him. We can rejoice that our flourishing is not conditional upon our circumstances; rather, it is dependent upon God’s unfailing love for us.
As you pray, ask God to fill you with the hope of eternal flourishing with him.
Katelyn J. Dixon is a contemplative writer, speaker, and poet living in the Seattle area. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys cooking, photography, and exploring the enchanting Pacific Northwest with her husband, Drew, while partnering with him in life and ministry.
