January 3, 2023
[The man whose delight is in the law of the LORD] shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3
Before sin (defined as lawlessness – see 1 John 3:4) entered this world, the indescribable beauty of creation was beyond anything our eyes have seen. The radiant health of all living things was vividly evident. There was not so much as a single withered leaf. Such a small detail is very meaningful to the student of God’s word who believes in Him as Creator.
Scripture is replete with insights as to the use of prophetic symbols. The opening verse clarifies the tree symbol of Revelation 7:3 and 9:4. These and other verses use the word forehead to represent the intellect and will of man. The seal of God is placed here, in the seat of decision-making, because of a person’s decision to love the Lord supremely and honor Him with his faithful obedience. Jesus affirms that He is the Source of the living waters spoken of by Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah (John 4:10-11) and He even goes on to say, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38) What a magnificent promise!
The inspiration of the Holy Spirit’s rich use of prophetic similes and metaphors woven into the word of God is truly a plethora of heavenly gifts. Many of the symbols are interwoven with each other in the book of Revelation, but this is not only in end-time prophecy. Generous time spent with the Lord in His word brings about a “second nature” of spiritual understanding from literal examples. Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17) This is an apt description of the central calling of the church. To follow Jesus results in a transformation of His making – and this transformation attracts others into the kingdom of God.
“And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. It shall be that fishermen will stand by it . . . spreading their nets. Their fish will be of the same kinds as the fish of the Great Sea, exceedingly many… Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” Ezekiel 47:9-10, 12