THE THREE TREES (A devotional)
There existed three trees. Three trees with three meanings. Three destinies for all of mankind. What are those three trees?
The first two trees were in the Garden of Eden. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. The Tree of the knowledge of Good and evil was a prohibited tree. Enoch describes the tree as somewhat like a tamarind tree with great fragrance and fruit resembling fine grapes (Book of Enoch 31:4). This tree became like a tree of death. Why? Because our ancestors, Adam and Eve partook of the fruit and brought sin and death into this world.
Then there was the Tree of Life. This tree was for life yet had Adam and Eve partaken of this tree, they would have lived forever bearing the guilt and curse of sin. God put it off-limits and thus thrusting the first couple out of the garden. He had a better plan for the couple. He had a better plan for the whole world.
The third tree grew in Israel. It was probably a hardwood tree, maybe cedar or oak. Something strong and sturdy. It was there around 30 CE. It was cut down, and made into wood beams. Two beams would be put together to form a cross. A cross that would hold fast the Son of Man, the Son of God, Messiah Ben Yosef, Messiah Ben David.
It would be a symbol of death and suffering, yet a symbol of forgiveness and life. The Son of Man would be lifted up and bear the guilt of our sin and death, yet offer us forgiveness and life to all who would trust in HIS sacrifice, in our place. An atonement on a tree, a tree that would be a tree of death yet a tree unto life.
Where are these three trees today? Well, who can know? The first two destroyed by the waters of the Genesis flood. Perhaps the Tree of Life was translated to Heaven. The last tree, consumed, but not forgotten.
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (in the Garden) a tree of death
The Tree of Life (In the Garden) a tree of life now in Paradise.
The Tree of Calvary (Calvary's Hill) A tree of death and suffering, yet a tree of Life for those who trust on the ONE who was nailed to it.
There existed three trees. Three trees with three meanings. Three destinies for all of mankind. What are those three trees?
The first two trees were in the Garden of Eden. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. The Tree of the knowledge of Good and evil was a prohibited tree. Enoch describes the tree as somewhat like a tamarind tree with great fragrance and fruit resembling fine grapes (Book of Enoch 31:4). This tree became like a tree of death. Why? Because our ancestors, Adam and Eve partook of the fruit and brought sin and death into this world.
Then there was the Tree of Life. This tree was for life yet had Adam and Eve partaken of this tree, they would have lived forever bearing the guilt and curse of sin. God put it off-limits and thus thrusting the first couple out of the garden. He had a better plan for the couple. He had a better plan for the whole world.
The third tree grew in Israel. It was probably a hardwood tree, maybe cedar or oak. Something strong and sturdy. It was there around 30 CE. It was cut down, and made into wood beams. Two beams would be put together to form a cross. A cross that would hold fast the Son of Man, the Son of God, Messiah Ben Yosef, Messiah Ben David.
It would be a symbol of death and suffering, yet a symbol of forgiveness and life. The Son of Man would be lifted up and bear the guilt of our sin and death, yet offer us forgiveness and life to all who would trust in HIS sacrifice, in our place. An atonement on a tree, a tree that would be a tree of death yet a tree unto life.
Where are these three trees today? Well, who can know? The first two destroyed by the waters of the Genesis flood. Perhaps the Tree of Life was translated to Heaven. The last tree, consumed, but not forgotten.
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (in the Garden) a tree of death
The Tree of Life (In the Garden) a tree of life now in Paradise.
The Tree of Calvary (Calvary's Hill) A tree of death and suffering, yet a tree of Life for those who trust on the ONE who was nailed to it.
