September 24, 2021
Scripture: Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. Revelations 21:1-3 ESV
Observation: As we read through John’s description of the new earth, we see a reversal of sin’s ill effects on humans and the world. First, the land is plenished with an endless supply of pure water (no more drought or pollution). Secondly, the leaves of the tree of life yield fruit for healing to the nations (no more war nor disease). Lastly, as if an exclamation mark, all curses will cease. God will no longer curse his creation because his people will be of one accord with their Creator, with fellow humans, and with their habitat.
Takeaway: So, what’s the end goal? Peace and harmony? No, they’re the fruit. Verse 4 tells us that we will see our Lord face to face, and he will be our light for all eternity. In other words, the curse is reversed so that we can forever enjoy an intimate relationship with the Father and Son unfettered by sin.
Meanwhile, there’s work to be done here and now—the curse of sin weighs down many lost souls around us. Hence, Christ has commissioned us to reverse the curse, to announce his invitation: ‘And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price’ (verse 17).
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving us your Son, who has paid the price to reverse the curse. Please help us to follow his lead and proclaim good news to those who feel the weight of sin’s curse. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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