“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ…”
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
Let’s look at the second promise in Revelation 22, The tree of life, “…On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month…” – Revelation 22:2 (NIV).
The tree of life stands as a symbol of God’s life-giving presence and the fullness of eternal life available in Him. Here, the tree of life represents the restoration of the life-giving presence of God. Access to the tree had been cut off in Genesis 3:24 when God stationed a mighty cherubim and a flaming sword to block the way to the tree of life. But here in Revelation, the way to the tree will be opened again for all who have been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Since we have been washed let us remain in the life-giving presence of God where there are numerous benefits. These include:
• hope, in the presence of God (Jeremiah 29:11)
• love, in the presence of God (Romans 8:35, 37-39)
• joy, in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11)
• peace, in the presence of God (Philippians 4:6-7)
• protection, in the presence of God (Psalm 91)
John also tells us that, “the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” – v 2. The healing of our nations will come as we, the people, continuously live in the life-giving presence of God and enjoy the benefits of His presence.
I can testify to the benefits of being in God’s presence that my family and I enjoy. We believe that as we spend time in God’s presence, He will take us from strength to strength, and from glory to glory. Pray that we live in God’s presence all the days of our lives and enjoy the benefits.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for first loving us that You sent Your only Son to die so that we may have life and life more abundantly. Today, I pray that You help us seek Your presence which You made accessible to all families and nations. May we enjoy all the benefits which lead to everlasting life, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Read: Genesis 4:16; Psalm 16:11
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 11; Matthew 13:36-58; Genesis 38; Genesis 39
