Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Part Two: Redemption's Tapestry

And dying.......banished from their birthplace, from THE birthplace. Eternally separated from God's presence. The entrance to the garden was blocked from reentry so that they could never return. Isn't this what they deserved for their disobedience? Was God cruel and harsh? After all, why throw them out of the only place they knew? Wasn't being naked and ashamed punishment enough?

Was it punishment or was the stage now set for grace and redemption? Think with me about the necessity of the banishment. Why was it that God could not allow Adam and Eve to remain in their birthplace? Oh yes, it has to do with the Trees. Two trees were of enormous significance in the garden. We all remember the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The tree that was off limits and used of the serpent to temp and entice, snare and ravage. But, there is a second tree. The Tree of Life. Eating of this tree meant remaining in your present state, forever. In humanity's case, separated from God. Banishment from the garden was God's love and protection in action. It was so vital to God's plan of redemption that they not eat of that tree, that He placed a guard with a flaming sword outside the garden blocking its entrance.

For you see, redemption was set into motion. Redemption that would be woven through the tapestry of history until another tree comes into view. The Tree of Life that held our Savior, Jesus Christ. The One who bridged the chasm that once separated Creator from His creation. The One who will bring us full circle back to the fellowship and connectedness with Himself we were created for. Who can fathom the breadth and heighth of the love that God has for us!

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