Revelation 22:1-5 Those who thirst for the water of life will become sources of healing and salvation for the nations
Revelation 22:1-5
A
Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
B
There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.
Background
The Holy City, which is the Bride of Christ, contains the river of the water of life; a divine flow proceeding from the throne of God and the Lamb. This water, distinct from the Holy Spirit yet communicated through Him, embodies the very life of God, giving rise to the tree of life that heals the nations. In possessing this water, the Bride becomes both healer and minister, fulfilling God’s vision for the new earth. Those deemed worthy to receive this water are not defined by status but by their deep thirst for righteousness, justice, and mercy; a willingness to lay down their lives for truth and love. The Holy City, though existing in a higher dimension, moves with the Bride, ministering to the nations continually. Believers are called to walk with Christ, the source of this living water, and become sources themselves. Today’s devotion teaches us: Those who thirst for the water of life will become sources of healing and salvation for the nations.
Observation
A
The holy city is the bride, and within the holy city flows the river of the water of life. This water does not exist in our current earthly realm, but rather in the dimension where Jesus and His bride dwell. It is important to understand that the water of life is not the Holy Spirit Himself, but rather the life of God, communicated through the Spirit. Water is the source of all physical life. But the source of eternal life comes from the water of life whose origin is the throne of God and the Lamb. Flourishing from this water is the tree of life, which yields twelve kinds of fruit, and leaves for healing of the nations. Through both the water of life and the tree of life, the bride acts as a shepherd and healer for the nations.
B
The holy city is also home to the throne of God and the Lamb. Here, God is neither silent or distant. The inhabitants of the city will see God’s face perpetually and they will be recognised as the children of God. They will experience unending joy, where good things never ever come to an end. And they will reign over the world forever, free from the threat of evil.
Truth
Those who thirst for the water of life will become sources of healing and salvation for the nations
The bride has become the possessor and minister of healing and eternal life to the nations. Consequently, it is through the bride that God’s vision for the new earth is realized. However, it is important to understand that the imagery of the water of life flowing from God’s throne is set in the future; beyond the millennial kingdom.
What is the privilege of one who possesses the water of life? Firstly, he is the owner of the water, and he has unlimited access to it. He will not suffer from terminal illnesses or chronic medical conditions. Furthermore, he is empowered to minister healing to another with effectiveness never before experienced in this present age. Additionally, he can regenerate others with the twelve fruits of the spirit with great effectiveness.
The question is: Can believers today possess the water of life? Perhaps, the question should be rephrased as: Who is deemed worthy to possess the water of life? Or what kind of person is worthy to possess this water? Jesus answered this question in Revelation 21:6b, “I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.” This indicates that the condition is not related to one’s wealth or status in society, but rather to one’s primary desire, to the manner in which he thirst or desire for it.
What kind of person is deemed worthy to possess the water of life?
The individual who desires a utopia; a society characterized by justice and compassion, where the happiness of each individual is derived from the happiness of another. A society in which the necessity for law enforcement is eliminated, as every person is committed to promoting the common good. Such an individual inherently seeks the means to help eradicate sickness and poverty, and to help transform those who are wayward into virtuous individuals. Among the many, there exists a select few who are willing to sacrifice their lives in defense of the truth, striving to bring to salvation to all. These are the ones who thirst for the water of life and they will be given without reservation.
Where is the New Jerusalem, the Holy City? It exists in the present but in a higher dimension. The location of the Holy City is not fixed or static, it follows wherever the bride goes. Thus, the Holy City is perpetually among the people ministering to them continually.
Application
Free your inner life from the cares of life, for they will all pass away. Instead, dedicate yourself to the work of making disciples; the fruit that will last forever. Walk alongside Jesus, the source of the water of life. By emulating Jesus, you will also transform into a source of the water of life for the nations.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, source of the water of life, fill me with Your divine flow that I may bring healing, righteousness, and compassion to the nations. Cleanse my heart, quench my thirst, and make me a vessel of Your salvation, ever reflecting Your life, joy, and truth to all creation. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.