The “River of the Water of Life”

Heaven Series #20 

The “River of the Water of Life”

Imagine a beautiful sparkling river flowing with crystal clear water, so alive and invigorating that it is described by God Himself as the “WATER OF LIFE”. 

In the book of Revelation 21:6, Jesus says “To the one who is thirsty, I will give water without cost from the SPRING of THE WATER OF LIFE.”  

And then in Revelation 22:1 John writes “Then the angel showed me the RIVER OF THE WATER OF LIFE, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.”  Notice specifically that the “source” of the river is the “throne of God”. This is easily overlooked, but an incredibly important observation. This amazing river, unlike any rivers on this earth today, does not start in the higher elevations of mountains… from rain or melted snow… but originates from the very throne of God Himself. 

Many scholars believe this is one of the amazing features of the New Earth spoke of by Isaiah, Peter and John. The similarities between Ezekiel’s description and John’s in Revelation are striking and most assuredly speak of the same place.

The prophet Ezekiel in chapter 47 of his writings gives amazing detail saying, “I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple… the water was trickling… then ankle deep… then up to the waist. And then he says, “But now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in… a river that no one could cross.” Ezekiel goes on to write that “when this water empties into the sea, the salt water there becomes fresh” and “swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows… wherever the river flows everything will live.” 

And finally, in Rev. 22:17, within the last few verses of the Bible, John writes “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take THE FREE GIFT OF THE WATER OF LIFE.”

Considering the way God highlights and describes this “WATER OF LIFE” in scripture, it must be a glorious sight to behold and an even more amazing experience to drink. My wife Kathy even said to me one time, “I want to swim in the water of life!” I am sure that this incredible river must be spectacular in every way… and I can’t wait to see it, drink from it and dive into it with my new heavenly body. God loves His children and promises to bless us with our heart’s desires… and even more… forever!

The RIVER OF THE WATER OF LIFE is just another exciting reason to set our eyes and our hope heavenward! 

Blessings, Mike