In December last year, we had the joy of hosting three dear friends from Singapore Bethesda Chapel. One of the highlights of their visit was harvesting persimmons together from the large tree in our garden. Every year this gigantic tree produces more fruit than we can manage on our own. So having Calvin, Judy, and Jane to help us harvest and eat the fruit was a special joy.
This experience reminded me of the vision God gave the prophet Ezekiel. He saw a river flowing from the temple of God, and wherever the river flowed, it brought life. Along its banks grew fruit trees of every kind, bearing fruit every month because they were nourished by the water from the temple. “Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:12, NIV).
This vision beautifully corresponds with the revelation given to the apostle John on the island of Patmos. He also saw a river flowing from the throne of God, with the tree of life on each side of the river, yielding fruit every month. And again, we read these powerful words: “The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2, NIV).
As I reflected on these passages, my prayer is that our lives, too, will be deeply rooted in the presence of God this year, bearing fruit every month in the year ahead. Not only fruit that is enjoyable and nourishing – like the persimmons from our tree – but with leaves that bring healing to the people around us.
Interestingly, persimmon tree leaves are known for their healing properties. Studies have suggested they may help lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. What a beautiful reminder that God’s design in creation often mirrors His spiritual truths: fruit for nourishment, leaves for healing.
May God use our lives to bring healing to the nations, just as He has promised in His Word.
Stephan Smithdoff
