The Tree of Life – God’s Plan for Eternity
Let us turn our hearts and minds to the profound symbol of the Tree of Life, a beacon of God’s eternal plan for us.
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1. The Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9)
In the dawn of creation, God planted a garden, a paradise where humanity walked in perfect communion with Him. At its heart stood the Tree of Life, a symbol not merely of sustenance, but of eternal fellowship with our Creator. “And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
This tree was a promise, a testament to God’s desire for us to live eternally in His presence. We were created for unbroken fellowship, for a life without end in the radiant glory of our Father.
2. Access Lost Because of Sin (Genesis 3:22,24)
But, oh, how easily we stray! Sin, that insidious serpent, whispered lies, and we, in our weakness, succumbed. “And the Lord God said, Behold, the man has become like one of us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever...” (Genesis 3:22).
God, in His infinite wisdom and sorrow, barred our way. “And he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:24). Sin severed our connection to eternal life, casting us into the shadows of mortality.
3. The Vision of Restoration—The Tree in the New Earth (Ezekiel 47:7,12)
Yet, God’s love is relentless, His plan unwavering. Through the prophet Ezekiel, we glimpse a vision of restoration, a promise of renewal. “And I returned, and, behold, by the bank of the brook there were very many trees on this side and on that side.” (Ezekiel 47:7).
“And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for meat: its leaf shall not wither, neither shall its fruit perish; in his months it shall bring forth new fruit, for the waters thereof come out of the sanctuary: and its fruit shall be for meat, and its leaf for medicine.” (Ezekiel 47:12).
The Tree of Life, once lost, is promised anew, its leaves bearing healing for the nations, a testament to God’s restorative power.
4. The Promise to the One Who Overcomes (Revelation 2:7)
The Apostle John, in his vision on Patmos, echoes this promise. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst 1 of the paradise of God.”
This is our hope, our calling. To overcome the temptations of this world, to persevere in faith, and to hold fast to the promise of eternal life.
5. The Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:2)
In the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem, John reveals the fullness of God’s plan. “In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve types of fruit, and yielded its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
Here, in the presence of God, the Tree of Life stands as a symbol of complete restoration, a testament to the eternal fellowship we were created for.
6. The Blessing for Those Who Keep the Commandments (Revelation 22:14)
Finally, John reminds us of the path to this glorious inheritance. “Blessed are those who keep his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.”
Obedience, not as a burden, but as an expression of our love for God, is the key that unlocks the gates of eternity. It is through faithfulness, through walking in His ways, that we claim our rightful place in His kingdom.
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Conclusion
Let us fix our eyes on the Tree of Life, a symbol of God’s eternal promise. Let us strive to overcome, to persevere, and to live in obedience to His commandments, so that we may partake of its fruit and dwell with Him forever. Amen.
