A Tree For The Healing Of The Nations

In addition to the fruit, the leaves of the tree were used for medicine to heal the nations. Now, the tension in this text is about to be revealed. Why would the nations need to be healed if all evil has been eliminated? John was alluding to Ezekiel 47:12, where water flowing from the temple produced trees with healing leaves. I know He was not implying that there would be illness in heaven, because we all know that heaven is a place of no more pain, no more suffering, no sadness, no sorrow, no diseases to plague our bodies, I know he was not talking about that; he was emphasizing that the water of life would produce health and strength wherever it would go. God’s people in his Kingdom will have no physical or spiritual needs. All the hurts of the nations will have been healed. Then John makes the intriguing observation that the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. At first glance, that seems confusing, since obviously there will be no illness or injury in heaven that would require healing. Therapeia (healing), however, does not imply illness. Perhaps a better way to translate it would be "life-giving," "health-giving," or "therapeutic." The leaves of the tree can be likened to supernatural vitamins, since vitamins are taken not to treat illness, but to promote general health. Life in heaven will be fully energized, rich, and exciting! If I had time, I’d tell you that too many church folk are tired, poor and unexcitable! Nothing gets them worked up! Nothing gets them on fire for Jesus, and the work of the church! That’s why I know that those who make it to the New Jerusalem are already preparing for it now! They can taste it now! They can feel it now! They can see it now! They’re excited now! Help me somebody!

The text does not say whether the saints will actually eat the leaves of the tree, though that is possible. Angels ate food with Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 18:1-8), as did the Lord Jesus Christ with His disciples after His resurrection (Luke 24:42-43; Acts 10:41). It is conceivable that the saints in heaven will eat, not out of necessity, but for enjoyment.

BUT THERE’S ANOTHER TREE I GOTTA TALK ABOUT TONIGHT...

You see, on this tree....hung the Savior of sinners!

On this tree, the Son of Man dropped his head and died!

On this tree, he reconciled bond and free, male and female, Jew and Gentile, rich and poor...

On this tree he offered his blood for the souls of men!

On this tree he wrote us a message with his love,

purchased the church with his blood,

cleansed us from sin with his sacrifice,

and healed the nations with his power!

1 Peter 2:19-25 (New International Version)

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.