Daily Reading: Revelation 22
Scripture Focus: The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22.2b)
Devotional Thought: There is a lot of debate going on concerning the status of immigrants and refugees. Fear, prejudice, terrorism, and irreconcilable cultural differences have made for a much divided world. Though there is little agreement about the solutions to the problems, there is near universal consensus that the nations need healing. Sadly, as long as there is sin in the world, there will be wars and rumors of wars; there will be power struggles and oppression; there will be greed and exploitation.
But, there is coming a day when sin will be erased from our existence. We will live in a place of perfect beauty and love. We will be like Jesus, for we shall see him as he is! And, there will be a healing of the nations. That place is beautifully depicted in Revelation.
In the midst of the heavenly city, there will be the River of the Water of Life. On each side of that river, will be a tree. It is the Tree of Life. It shall bear fruit every month. There will never be any lack. In that place - delivered from want, from disease, from death, from separation, from sorrow - there will be perfect healing for the nations.
The word for nations indicates people who practice similar customs or common culture. All those customs and cultures will be perfectly blended together in heaven. We will not lose our identity, but we will rejoice together in the fact that Jesus can save a Spanish-speaking capitalist, as much as he can save an English-speaking socialist. Those who come from cultures subdued and formal, shall worship alongside those who are boisterous and informal. I believe that even Democrats and Republicans will get along in that place. What a work of healing!
Prayer: Lord, in the early history of humanity, you spread mankind apart through diverse languages and customs. But, the day is coming when we will all be united in worship at your feet. What a day that will be!
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 111.1-5
1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
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