Between Two Trees

He will swallow up death forever. Isaiah 25:8

Paul wrote: Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

REFLECTION:

We live between two trees.

On the one hand, the tree of Life in the Garden of Eden...where sin and brokenness entered the world. 

We feel the effects of this tree daily. The pictures from Egypt are the most recent reminder that as people, we continue to find reasons to oppose and harm each other. Our cries raise up for our Egyptian brothers and sisters today...our hearts break. Our palms fall silent as it seems like death has won.

But on the other side of us is the second tree...it's the same one tattooed on my arm; the tree planted by the river in Revelation 22; the tree that bears fruit each month to provide for all; the tree whose leaves are for "the healing of the nations."

Today, I am choosing to trust in the second tree, and the promise of the empty cross. Today, I am seeking shade under the tree that heals the nations. Lord, have mercy on us all...

PRAYER:

Holy and most wonderful God, teach us this day to define our lives not by death but by the life promised eternally through Christ our Savior. Amen.