THE GLORIFIED STATE " . . . and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." - Tomorrow:
"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." (Rev 22:1-9)
Devotion 9 of 33
On one occasion, Jesus cursed a fig tree that had "nothing but leaves." It was without any precious fruit, which it was intended to produce (Mk 11:13-14). In glory, however, there will be nothing that is non-productive; nothing that is not what it appears to be; nothing that will not yield satisfying and lasting benefits. Even the leaves of the tree of life have utility!
"The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations" – for recovery, restoration, and renewal. Ezekiel spoke similarly of the trees growing by the healing waters: "and their leaves for medicine" (47:12). Everything speaks of full recovery and abundant life.
The "nations" are "the nations of those who are saved" mentioned earlier: "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it" (21:24). All other people are, in a very real sense, "not a people" (1 Pet 2:10). "The nations of the saved" confirms that the saved are "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Rev 5:9).
Throughout the world, the redeemed experienced varied effects of the transgression. Some were deprived of the normal amenities of life, living in poverty, sickness, and squalor. Others had little opportunity to culture their minds in the Lord. Still others lived in places and times characterized by fierce and bloody persecution. Make no mistake about it, sin has yielded great devastation to our race!
How sorely healing is needed. When we read, "and with his stripes we are healed" (Isa 53:5; 1 Pet 2:24), we bring great reproach upon Jesus by confining that healing to temporary relief from bodily infirmities. Just as our sores went deeper than the flesh, so our healing extends infinitely further than our present bodies. There are effects of sin that must be remedied that are beyond the periphery of flesh and blood!
Will the impact sin has had upon our minds, memories, abilities, and desires ever be healed? "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Will the lamentation and grief that we experience because of sin ever be remedied?"The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." What about the sorrow for sins committed, personal failures, and wasted time? Will we ever be finished with those things? "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." How about the grief that attends separation, trials, and the hardships of life? Will the scars left upon us by these things ever be removed? "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Will Peter have forever blotted from his mind that awful night when he denied Jesus three times? Will Paul ever forget consenting to the death of Stephen? Will your mind ever be freed from the recollection of foolish words and deeds you would to God you never said and did? "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
Indeed, all such things will be removed for those who overcome. "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." There will be full recovery for every effect of sin – every single one! The hurtful things that occurred to us during our sojourn in the flesh will "not be remembered, nor come into mind" (Isa 65:17). On eagles wing, we will soar high above debilitating and sorrowful memories. With agility of spirit, soul, and body, we will walk upon those high hills of eternal involvement without a twinge of conscience, or moroseness of thought. "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
I ask you, is that not worth fighting the good fight of faith? Does not the recollection of these things bring strength to resist the devil, remaining steadfast in the faith? You have every reason to be faithful until death! Full provision has been made for you in your glorious inheritance! The Spirit does not exaggerate what is prepared for you. The inheritance is great in every sense of the word, and worthy of your best effort.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the prospect of the total removal of everything sin has caused, and the destruction of the memory of it as all.