Well, here we are at the end of our story. Well, not really the end because our story continues into eternity. The opening verses of chapter 22 recall the idyllic Garden of Eden: “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; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed” (22:1-3). It doesn’t sound very spiritual or theological but might we say, “What goes around comes around.” That is, the perfection that was the Garden, which was destroyed by sin, is restored and there the saints will reign with God forever and ever. When will this be fulfilled? Well, the Alpha and Omega says, “Behold, I am coming soon” (22:12). Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe next year. Who knows? Only He knows but, oh my, what we have to look forward to! And so, the invitation is to come and drink of the water of life. Again, He says, “Surely I am coming soon” (22:20). And we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (22:20)
Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?
Soon we’ll reach the shining river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.
Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God. --Robert Lowry (1864)
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