The Tree of Life Restored: Revelation 22 + Ezekiel 47

The Tree of Life Restored: Revelation 22 + Ezekiel 47Senior Pastor Alex KennedyIf paradise was lost in Genesis when Adam and Eve sinned and the relationship with God was broken, then paradise is restored in Revelation 21 and 22 in the light of Jesus' resurrection and reign.
In Rev 21:1, it begins with, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." This is significant because it means heaven is not some new state unlike anything we've ever experienced; it is a renewed, restored, remade version of the world we live in now.
Rev 21:4 says, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Then the imagery shifts in Rev 22 when John's angelic guide reappears. It is still a city, but it moves from a temple-city to a garden-city (v1-5). This is the Garden of Eden restored (including Ezekiel 47).
"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." A river flows through the garden-city just as a river flowed through Eden (Rev 22:1; Gen 2:10). The river feeds a tree (Rev 22:2). This is the tree of life that stood in the center of Eden (Gen 2:9). The water of life feeds the tree of life. Ultimately, it is the Lamb who gives life.
Rev 22:2 speaks of the "twelve kinds of fruit". "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." If there is no disease, no pain, no death, and no tears, then what needs healing? The leaves are for therapeutic means. These leaves enrich life. Think of it like vitamins.
Rev 22:3 describes Jesus as the Lamb, which shows that this new life comes through His death. We "live forever" because we are forever given life through the death of Jesus.
Rev 22:4 says, "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads." This is a beautiful promise and description of restored relationship! In Gen 3:24 angels blocked the way back to Eden so that humanity could not return to God's presence because God's presence was dangerous to people who were now sinful. We also see in Exodus 33:20 that God could not show His face to Moses, because "no one may see me and live." But in the NEW Eden, we will see God's face and bear His name! Seeing God personally, and being with Him intimately, is the best part of heaven!
Questions to Consider:

1. In Revelation 21:3, God says He will “dwell with” His people. What does that tell us about God’s desire for relationship?
2. Why do you think there is no temple in the new city (21:22)?
3. What do you think it would feel like to live with no fear, pain, shame, or separation from God?
4. If God is restoring relationships, how should that affect how we treat each other in our family this Christmas?

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