The river flows with a divine promise and offers hope for humanity. Clear as crystal, and originating from the throne of God and the Lamb, it nourishes the city. It is unlike any river known to man, glistening with life and filled with purpose, the river of the Water of Life.
At the heart of the city and alongside the river stands the tree of life. Unlike the deciduous, it is abundantly prolific, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, each fruit for every month of the year. The leaves of this tree held promises too, for they were for the healing of the nations and all the people in them.
As God made everything new, the curse of sin was lifted. The throne of the Almighty and of the Lamb was right there, in the city. His obedient and faithful servants, from every corner of the earth, would serve Him there. They would behold His face, a luxury not afforded to many, and His name would be engraved on their foreheads, an indelible symbol of their belonging and servitude.
In this divine realm, darkness had no space. In the absence of night, there was no need for light or lamps, nor for the warmth of the sun. For the Lord God Himself would be their light, His radiance illuminating every corner of the city. His faithful would reign with him, not for a limited tenure, but forever and ever.
John was the chosen one to whom these truths were revealed. The assurance came directly from the Lord, the God of the spirits of all the prophets. He had sent his angel to show John the reality of the leagues of heaven, and all of the wondrous things that would soon take place.
As the angel revealed, the prophecy was closer than believed, the time was imminent. The declaration was clear. Those who indulged in unrighteousness would continue to do so, and those who were pure in heart would remain pure. Decisions made on earth would echo through eternity.
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, Jesus Christ was coming quickly, and he brings the reward for every man according to his earthly deeds. Those who cleanse themselves from sin will earn their right to the tree of life and enter the city through its gates.
The heavenly city, however, has no place for the dogs, sorcerers, murderers, or idolaters. The ones who love and devise a lie too shall be denied. Jesus, the root, and the offspring of David, the bright morning star, was the One proclaiming all these things for the churches.
A beautiful invitation was made. The Spirit and the Bride called for anyone who hears to come. Those who thirsted were invited to take the water of life freely. A warning was issued too, ensuring the purity of the prophecy. Anyone who dares to add or take away from the words of this prophecy would suffer gravely. The grace of Lord Jesus is to be with His saints.
Indeed, Jesus affirmed his coming, once and again, and His people faithfully responded, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
