Healing of the Nations

            There is an interesting image provided for us in Revelation 22 concerning the heavenly city.  In His discussion about the River of Life flowing down the main street of the city, John also speaks of the Tree of Life being there.  The last time the Tree of Life was mentioned in Scripture was in Genesis 3:22-24.  In that passage, Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden and angels were posted to guard the way to the Tree of Life so they couldn’t partake of it any longer.  God’s reason for keeping them from the tree was so that they would not eat of it and live forever (especially now since they were damaged by sin).

            Here in the last chapter of the Bible, the Tree of Life is given back.  This time, it is given “for the healing of the nations”.  The interesting image being revealed, is the word used for “tree”.  In Greek the usual word for tree is “dendron” which refers to the whole tree (roots, trunk, branches and leaves).  But in the Greek translation of Genesis (the Septuagint) and here in Revelation, the word used is “zulon” which refers to a wood pole (or something made from wood).  What wood pole is there that brings healing?

            Since many NT passages use the word zulon to refer to a Roman cross, we must conclude that this Tree of Life that brings healing to the nations is the cross of Christ, for the healing being mentioned is spiritual healing; the cleansing of sin from the soul.  And the only way sin is removed is by the blood of Christ (Acts 4:10-12).  So, in Genesis, the Tree of Life was taken away because of sin and in Revelation, sin has been removed by Jesus’ sacrifice and this Tree of Life is given back to provide continuous healing of the soul which leads to eternal life. 

            And notice too, John speaks of healing for “the nations”.  This means everybody – regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or social status.  This was a hard lesson for the first century church to understand.  Jewish Christians thought (for some reason) that salvation was only for Jews.  They had difficulty realizing that God accepts all believers on the same level.  Yet that’s exactly what God had prophesied for generations. 

Let’s not make this same mistake today.  Share the soul-healing medicine of Jesus with everyone you come into contact with.  Allow others to “see” Him through your actions, attitudes, speech, activities, relationships; in all that you do (Colossians 3:17).  Commit to helping God heal the nations with Jesus’ amazing Tree of Life.

Doug