I never cease to be amazed by the things God brings together in unexpected ways. The topics and passages of this series were laid out and set last December. Yesterday morning I taught on Genesis 3 and ended with the hope of Revelation 22. Then, in a small group, we discussed verse 2 and the healing of the nations.
 
Today’s reading takes us to the end of the redemption story, with the river of life flowing from the throne; beside it, the Tree of Life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations and pronouncement there is no longer any curse. It’s a vision of God’s presence filling a world made new.
 
The Tree of Life harkens all the way back to Genesis, to the Garden of Eden. Humanity was driven out after their rebellion, separated from it and the unhindered life in God’s presence they enjoyed. So much was lost with one fateful act, but God’s purpose was not defeated.
 
History has done nothing if it hasn’t shown us generations of nations and peoples marked by pride, violence, idolatry, and warfare. God’s restoration of creation doesn’t minimize the seriousness of the rebellion or downplay His judgment, but it does paint a striking image for us: nations are healed beneath the righteous rule and reign of God and the Lamb.
 
Christian hope points to this spot on the theological map. We don’t wait with expectant hope of cosmic evacuation, but of a complete restoration only God Himself could accomplish. Sin, death, and human division haven’t won the final victory because He is making All Things New. This future for which we wait is one without the curse and a world where He once again dwells fully with His people.

Think over your time following Jesus. How have you patterned your hope of future events, that of escaping a broken world or a time of restoration of what sin has broken? How does the hope of Revelation 22 impact the way you view the brokenness you see around you now?

Father, thank you for a coming day when the curse is lifted and sin, death, and division are completely gone from our existence. Teach my heart to hope in this future You’ve promised us. Help me live today with confidence in the reign of the Lamb as I long for the day when all things are finally made new. Amen.

“My hope grows stronger when I remember that God will __________________.”