The Tree Of Life

Did you know the tree of life is mentioned in the bible multiple times? Most associate it with the Book of Genesis and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. At times, it is also confused with the tree of good and evil that bore the forbidden fruit. On the other hand, the tree of life's fruit offered eternal life. Prior to the fall of man (through Adam), it was offered to all. And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9).

The tree of life is then mentioned once again in the Book of Revelation. While John is exiled on the island of Patmos he writes these words spoken by Jesus, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” (2:7). Listen to this additional passage filled with hope later in Revelation, In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations (22:2). Here, John is speaking about the New Jerusalem and the river that contains the water of life.

Can you not see how God's Word is complete? How the tree of life that brings forth eternal life is from beginning to end. For believers, Jesus is our Tree of Life. And, like the characteristics of a tree, we must be rooted in His Word. Our foundation should be His trunk being careful that all the branches of our lives are connected and being fed by Him.

Pastor Aaron