Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Fruitfulness Fulfilled in Eternal Kingdom

Bible Reading: Revelation 22:1-7

Key verse: “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” – Revelations 22:7

DEVOTION

When it comes to success and fruitfulness in the world, there is no better example than American swimmer Michael Phelps who had already won 28 Olympic Medals and had little left to prove.  However, Phelps speaks about the “post-Olympic depression” that he faced after every competition. He thought of himself as only “a swimmer, but nothing else”.  Post treatments, Phelps realized his identity wasn’t in his medals but in who he was created to be. Phelps has seen all types of success, yet he felt empty and unfulfilled.  
 
In Revelation 22:1-7, we understand the real type of fruitfulness and clarity that is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.  It is a full circle moment in the Word of God.  In Genesis, humanity was kicked out of a garden and in Revelation, we are invited back into one – and what a garden this is!  
 
We read about the River of the Water of Life flowing directly from the Throne of God (and of the Lamb) (v1).  The Tree of Life (v2) sits nearby and benefits from the river flowing.  God is our Source of Life and true fruitfulness isn’t from our own merit but it flows directly through God’s grace.   Just as the tree, when we tether our lives to the Kingdom of God, our “leaves” do not wither.  It is important to note that the leaves are for “healing of the nations” (v2).  
 
Our impact as a result of abiding in God’s Word helps restore this broken world that we live in.  We learn about the good news in this garden.  “They will see His face” (v4) is perhaps the peak in this passage.  It is here that we learn that no sin, no darkness (v3-5) will come in the way and that our ultimate fruitfulness is fulfilled when we serve Him face to face as per His Word. 
 
Let us always remember to turn to God and accept Him as the source of our true fulfillment of fruitfulness and be assured that Christ’s return is near, and those who keep His Word are blessed.

PRAYER
Gracious God, we praise You for the promise of the river of life, the healing tree, and the hope of dwelling forever in Your holy presence. Help us to remain faithful to Your Word as we await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, trusting that Your promises are true and everlasting. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. - CS Lewis

Jonathan Vadakethu
St. Mathew’s Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, Canada

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