1-2 Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the centre of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. 3-4 No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no night there - no need for lamps or sun - for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever. 6-7 Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon. “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”

8-9  I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!” 10-11 Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near.  Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.” Revelation 22:1-11 The New Living Translation's paraphrase (English Standard Version link)

In Chapter 2 vs 7 of Revelation Jesus said: “To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” So vs 1-2 today present a picture of that eternal joy God's people will experience. It pictures the healing that God's grace brings. What is a big reason for the great joy of our eternal inheritance? (vs 3-4)

Our present world has been under the curse that sin brought upon it. God no longer walked with Adam and Eve as He did at the start. But at Christ's return we will experience the very personal, even visible, presence of God. Darkness will no longer be a part of our lives. (vs 5) Now while these things are presented in a symbolic way, they obviously imply a wonderful reality. If even our sin soiled world still has such beauty and so many amazing things, imagine what eternity with God in the new heavens and earth will be like.

But there are three more important truths here. What is the encouragement of vs 6-7?

The Bible is true and worthy of all our trust. What was spoken by the prophets of old as well as this revelation given to John were inspired by God. They will come to pass!

What's the next vital truth that vs 8-9 bring out?

Angels and people are not to be worshipped! That includes not giving the sort of reverence to 'Saints' and Mary that makes it an act of worship. It also means that Jesus is not just an exalted angel, as some religious sects teach, because in Revelation we've seen that he receives worship with the Father.

What is the serious challenge of vs 10-11?

John was not to seal up the message – which would imply that it was for a long way off. No, says the angel, the time is near. In 1 Peter 4:7 Peter wrote: “The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” Yes, the Lord's ultimate return has been a long while coming, but that doesn't mean He is standing far away. He is at the door already. We must live with readiness and not drift into the vile and harmful things of the world. We must persevere in righteousness and holiness. Keep going!