The Tree of Life

 

 

Two trees in Eden

 From which to choose:

One to maintain the good life

The other, to lose.

 

Free access to one

The other was forbidden,

The former was no big deal

But the latter beckoned.

 

Two trees: one of life

The other death,

Adam and Eve chose the latter

And gave up their rest.

 

A choice for life

And a choice for death,

Who in his right mind

Would not choose the best?

 

 

The tree of the knowledge

Of good and evil

Became a better prospect

For the first two people.

 

Their best was the worst

That could happen back then

And out of their choice

Came our problem.

 

The tree of life

Was a literal tree

Just like the trees around us

That we all can see.

 

Its fruit was edible

And it offered eternal life

But our fore parents in their error

Opted for strife.

 

Fast forward to today

When we have the offer again:

No longer a literal tree

It’s the Lamb that was slain.

 

The Creator is he

That created the first tree

And again, he offers life

To you and to me.

 

Jesus is the tree of life

And he beckons us to himself

And all who accepts him

Avoids the second death.

His branches are extended

With his offering of fruit,

Fruit of the Spirit

To nourish his offshoot.

 

Love, joy and peace

Longsuffering and gentleness,

Goodness and faith

Not to mention his rest.

 

Eternal rest he grants us

In this world and the next

With his word to guide us

As we read its texts.

 

 

Jesus is the tree of life

That bids us come to him,

Eternal life is on offer

With deliverance from sin.

 

Come to him today

No longer delay,

Satan wants you for his prey

But Jesus is the way.

 

Stewart Russell © October 2, 2020