Tree of Life
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Key Verse: “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Selected Scripture: |
WHEN GOD’S KINGDOM IS established, mankind will experience the life-sustaining and peaceful conditions that once existed in Eden before sin, sickness, and death entered the world. A pure message of truth depicted under the symbol “water of life” will be employed to help nourish the human family back into divine favor when Satan’s evil influence is restrained.—Rev. 22:1
In our Key Verse, we learn that the ‘leaves’ from the ‘tree of life’ will provide ‘healing’ for the nations. Based upon the usage of ‘trees’ and ‘leaves’ elsewhere in scripture, the intent of this verse may relate to the invaluable instruction in righteousness provided by the glorified church under Christ for the benefit of the world of mankind.
“There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”—vss. 3-5
The foregoing speaks of the future glorious conditions that will exist when Satan is bound. Contrary to claims that God’s kingdom was established at Pentecost and has since been conquering the world, we still pray for the time when there will be peace on earth and good will toward men.—Luke 2:14
The Master speaks to all his faithful servants who are attentive to his words during this present Gospel Age to assure them that no matter how long the seeming delay has been for this kingdom to commence, these promises must come to pass.—Rev. 22:6
Further corroboration as to the time setting discussed in our lesson is provided as follows. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (vs. 17) There will be no ‘bride’ until the glorified, completed church is united with Christ Jesus. Additionally, there are some connections concerning the river of the water of life flowing to the world of mankind through the church during the Millennial morning pictured in the Old Testament. “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.”—Ps. 46:3,4; Ezek. 47:1-12
The consecrated followers of Jesus presently are being prepared for the great future work of helping to bring about restitution blessings that will flow to all the families of the earth. (Acts 3:19-21) The closing portion of Revelation 22 underscores the blessedness of the perfect harmony that will then exist throughout the universe, when God’s will shall be done on earth as it is done in heaven. (Matt. 6:10) What a glorious time that will be when the Heavenly Father and his Son, Christ Jesus, will receive unending praise and honor from all creation!—Rev. 21:24-27