The Clear River and the Fruitful Tree
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THE CLEAR RIVER AND THE FRUITFUL TREE
Rev. Grant H. Odhner
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22.1-2).
The beautiful “water of life” that John saw stands for the truths revealed for the New Church. These truths now “flow” from the Lord out of heaven (God’s “throne”) in all abundance, like a river!
Why are these truths called the “water of life?” They bring new life to all areas of our daily existence! They teach us the proper meaning and place of work and play, self and the world, learning and worship. They rejuvenate dry and withered dreams, cause hope to bud, neutralize toxic moods and restore balance to our thinking. These “living waters” sparkle and dance with the light of heaven which they bring to our minds! That’s why they are called “pure” and “clear as crystal.” No one who has been touched by the Lord through the truths of the New Church can help but rejoice with recognition at these words: “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal!”
Intimately associated with the river of the water of life was the “tree of life.” John saw this tree “on either side of the river.” It was a lush tree, bearing twelve fruits, which yielded every month. Its leaves were medicine for the healing of the nations.
The “tree of life” stands for the Lord Himself—in fact, the Lord as to His Divine love (Apocalypse Revealed 933). His love is intimately present in all of the truth that He reveals. This is why the tree of life is said to be “in the middle” of the river as well as on either side. The tree of life’s leaves and fruits (in general) picture the good and useful effects that spring from the Lord’s love as it works through the truths of the New Church. These “leaves” and “fruits” are the Lord’s blessings to human society, given through people who serve from His love and by using His wisdom.
It is easy to appreciate the truths the Lord has given to the New Church. But note the importance of our acknowledging the Lord Himself and His love. Trees live; water does not. Medicinal leaves heal; water by itself does not. Fruits bring nourishment (calories); water does not. However bright and clear our truths may be, let us pray that in their midst and surrounding them there may be the ever-present tree of life! “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
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