22:1
We are now in the final chapter. There are references to living water in the Old Testament prophets, notably Zechariah (Zech 14:8) and most notably Ezekiel (Ezek 47). This water was “as clear as crystal”. This signifies the purity of the water. In this world everything, even the best, is tainted to some degree. Everything we have will eventually wear out and break down. This living water is perfect, and it flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It is significant that the Lamb is so often mentioned together with God.
22:2
The living water flows down the middle of the “great street of the city”. The city of God derives everything from the Lord. It is perfect because it is dependent upon God. Our world is terribly imperfect because of our rebellion against God. We were created by God. Without God there is nothing, no universe, no life within that universe. So when we live in rebellion against God we are living a lie. In Gen 2:9 the tree of life is mentioned, and in Gen 3:22,24 man is stopped from accessing the tree of life after his fall. Now man has access to the tree of life again. It yields its fruit every month, there is a perpetual supply. “And the leaves are for the healing of the nations”. One might wonder why this is needed as the sin is banished from the city, but the individuals and societies are wounded by sin, even when the sin itself has gone. There will be complete healing. As examples Germany needed healing from the effects of Nazisim, Russia and Eastern Europe needed healing from the effects of communism. South Africa and Zimbabwe needed healing from the effects of apardheid. In some cases good progress has been made, but in others there are still many lingering effects. In God’s city there will be perfect and complete healing.
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