Articles
Tree Of Life Lost and Regained
Tree of Life Revelation 19 to 22
We come to the end of yet another year and, for those who have been steadfast and diligent, to the end of our reading through the bible yet again. The story never changes but our understanding and appreciation of what God has done ever grows. This is the story of God's eternal purpose (Eph. 3:10-11). God created man to live with Him. He freely offered them all they would ever need including the tree of life.
Satan deceives Eve, and Adam joins in open rebellion against God and His rule(s). They make a foolish choice and find themselves alienated from God and banned from access to the tree of life. Death and misery enter the picture and will continue generation after generation. Yet, God promises that there will be a 'seed of woman' that will undo all of this. Thus we began our reading to see how God would remedy the situation.
The Bible is thus the story of God. Generation after generation we read how God deals with them in order to bring about His purpose and plan. We watch as the Patriarchs, beginning with Abraham, come and live in hope of God's promise. We see God creating the nation of Israel and giving them a land and a law. We wonder in disbelief as they turn away from God time and again. God punishes them and restores them. In the end He sends his Son to redeem them. We observe the world rejecting its king. We read as God raised Him from the dead and glorified him with all power and authority. We now take our place as part of the people of God and patiently wait for the coming of Jesus.
We know not when but we know that when He appears we will be gathered together with him and so we shall ever be (1Thess. 4:17). He will again grant unto his creation the right to the tree of life (Rev. 22:1-3). "No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship Him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever" (Rev. 22:3-5).We will live in His presence forever. All that is ungodly and evil will be forever banished. Oh what glory awaits the sons of God. Let us continually sing the songs of heaven and set our hearts on the promise of God. Even so, Lord come quickly. Hugh DeLong
