November 18th - Reflection

Revelation 22:1-9 (NRSV)
Worship God alone
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place."

"See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me; but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"


Reflection
There in God's Garden stands a tree that heals. Can't you just see Jesus and that crystal clear water flowing? Can't you just imagine that water being the very water you were baptized with? Fresh clear water and your beginning walk with God. Learning all of the Bible stories. Seeing Sunday School Teachers love you and care enough that they would witness their faith to you. Hearing sermons, singing in choirs, plays and growth in catechism. The learning and abundance of healing through this Tree that pours itself out to the point that even it's leaves heal the nations.

And then listen to the sounds of the tree and it's leaves blowing in the wind. Hear the babble of the water flowing. And smell that wonderful smell of new life and listen to the excitement of the people who realize that they are in a place free of pain and only need to worship this awesome Lord and Savior who brought this symbol of a tree of death and recreated it into a Tree of Life and Love. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
"See, I am coming soon..." Come Lord Jesus, come. Come to me this day yet even more gloriously I pray that you would come to this world. You reign eternal. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen