Why Does the Tree of Life Still Heal the Nations?—From Babel and Abraham to Revelation 22:2
Why Does the Tree of Life Still Heal the Nations?—From Babel and Abraham to Revelation 22:2 Introduction: A Phrase That Suddenly Lit Up During a Sermon Revelation 22:1–5 presents the Bible’s final scene. The river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The Tree of Life grows on both sides of the river and bears fruit every month. God’s servants see his face, his name is written on their foreheads, and they reign forever and ever. Yet one statement in this vision invites us to stop and look again: “The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” —Revelation 22:2 Why are the nations described as needing healing in the new creation, after death has disappeared and the curse is no more? The word “nations” also brings another biblical scene to mind. In Genesis 11, the nations are scattered at Babel. Immediately afterward, in Genesis 12, God calls Abram and promises that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him. Could the “heal...