Spring has come. On the calendar at least. We have turned back the clocks, the days have gotten a bit longer, and the weather has brought some springlike days. Not all of them are yet springlike, as some days bring a reminder of winter hanging on.
It’s the time we begin to think about our lawns, planting some flowers, and the mowing of the grass.
It’s the time we think about gardening and the perfect time to return to the garden.
The Garden of Eden. A garden in all perfection. No weeds. Beautiful fruit and flowers.
“Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:9, NASB)
The tree of life. Not much is known about it. We know it stood in the middle of the garden.
I’ve been looking for a hint of our trees blooming. Slight shades of red or green can be seen as the teeniest amount of budding begins. It breathes hope that even the coldest of temperatures during the winter cannot prevent the cycle of growth.
The tree of life, mentioned in the beginning of our Bibles, is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation. I notice this in the margin of my Bible.
To the church of Ephesus, Jesus says:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7, NASB)
Down through the ages, God’s people have been journeying through all sorts of situations and challenges. The tree that was off limits in the beginning, will one day be granted to all who have overcome, and they will enjoy the fruit.
We press forward, holding onto God’s Word and promises given to us. We move forward, living out our days, and trusting Him to give us strength to persevere and overcome. He pours out His grace and mercy, filling our hearts with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14, NASB)
Reflecting on all of this and these Scriptures, I am reminded of this season we are in. Not the spring season, but the season of Lent. The time of reflecting on the sacrifice our Savior made for each of us. And the words come …
The mercy tree,
is the tree of life,
giving life to all who come.
Corrie Ten Boom brought many memorable lessons for us all. Katherine Pasour shares of one such lesson on the importance of always be thankful. Read her post, “When it’s hard to be thankful” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
I love that song! I love how the Bible begins and ends with the tree of life. And in-between, Jesus’ sacrifice on the mercy tree on Calvary made it possible for us to partake in the tree of life when we believe on Him.
It is amazing all the varied connections God weaves throughout His Word. Just astounding to me.
I haven’t heard that song! Turning it on now. Thanks for sharing, Joanne. We have lots of signs of spring in my neck of the woods and I’m so grateful.
We are a bit slower I think but the hints of color and buds brings hope!
Mercy=life. How often we forget and think we have to strive and perfect and do something (or a lot of somethings) in order to deserve mercy. It’s a gift from a loving Father.
Amen, and what a precious gift!
So intriguing that what was off limits in the beginning is available in the end. We have so much to look forward to and so much to learn in the meantime.
Michele, I am finding the older I get, the more I have yet to learn.
Amen. The Mercy tree. God loves us more than we can ever understand. I am thankful for His love.
His mercy is beyond my comprehension, which is why I am so grateful.
I’m so thankful He extends mercy and life to us, Joanne. His love is so great towards us!
My favorite tree scripture? They clap their hands!!!
So glad you shared that!
Beautiful. Thank you for this reflection.
Joanne, Call me what you want, but I haven’t put together the truth that the tree that was off-limits in Eden will be fully available when we’re in heaven spending eternity with our Savior. This whole post was beautiful.
And I haven’t heard this song before. Thanks for sharing it!
Jeanne, I am so grateful for Bibles with cross references in the margin as they sometimes lead on a wonderful journey. We’re students, Jeanne, that is what I call us. Students ever learning. Blessings!
Joanne, love how you unpacked this and how we will freely have access to the tree of life again. Revelation 22:14 is so joyful and glorious it makes me say, “Hallelujah!” Thankful that day is coming! I remind myself that whatever season of life we are in and whatever life throws at me, the tomb is empty! Thank you, Jesus.
Amen! “I remind myself that whatever season of life we are in and whatever life throws at me, the tomb is empty! “
Joanne, such encouragement here today! YES! The Tree of Life IS the Mercy Tree, because God is a merciful and gracious God who made a way through the Second Adam to restore all that was lost through the first. Hallelujah!
And now you brought to mind the old song, “Wonderful, Merciful Savior.”
https://youtu.be/fK6sYVQCqhs
Amen for His mercy, grace & life eternal when He is our Lord & Saviour!
Bless you Joanne,
Jennifer
Thanks, Joanna, for showing me the connection of the Tree of Life in Revelations. I hadn’t put that together either! That is a promise full of beauty and hope!
Isn’t it an amazing promise! From the beginning of time until the end of time, God’s mercy has been stretched out. “That is a promise full of beauty and hope!”
Snow is forecasted here for Saturday – right when my lilacs are starting to flower – yet, like you said, “The mercy tree is the tree of life, giving life to all who come.” I am so thankful for God’s Mercy Tree – for this season and salvation! Beautiful encouragement, my friend!
Grateful it brought you encouragement, Maryleigh.
Such an encouraging post, Joanne … just the thing to start off the week before Easter. And I love the song too … I’ve not heard this version and it is beautiful. â¤ï¸
So glad you enjoyed the song. I had not heard this version before and it blessed me. I hoped it would do the same for others!
Hi Joanne,
You’ve written a lovely post and have me anticipating my first glimpse of the tree of life. How incredible that God gives it to us in the end!
Thank you for sharing this song. I hadn’t heard it before.
Peace and grace,
Tammy