February 19, 2023

The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 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 2:8-9

The opening scenes of God’s word are familiar. We know the story: of only one tree God said not to eat or you will die. Satan’s lie about death convinced Eve to disobey God, then she influenced Adam to eat. Thus, the path to death was initiated, just as God warned. Although there would be consequences, God sought them out to make sure they understood that eternal life would still be available: if they would trust Him. The new arrangement that would serve the purpose of saving Adam and Eve for eternity involved lost access to the tree of life: lest he… take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever (3:22). The terrible consequence of death pales next to the prospect of living endlessly in a state of sinfulness. God will ultimately bring all sin to an end. His mercy is on display here:

So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.  Genesis 3:24

One of the names for Jesus is The Way (John 14:6), for He is the way back to the tree of life.

“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.” Revelation 2:7

Thus closes the letter to Ephesus. And what a thrilling promise! While the seven letters of Revelation 2 & 3 are to all professed believers, the promises are only to him who overcomes. Jesus, Himself an overcomer of every temptation, makes Himself available to all who ask. Take hold of Him who is The Way.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33