Pastor's Blog

 

We can only be obedient when it is possible for us to be disobedient.Therefore, the Lord will place circumstances in our path which will force us to make a choice.Thus, there were “two ships.”This also relates to the two trees in the Garden of Eden - the “tree of life,” and the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die.”Genesis 2:16‑17

The Lord placed man in a probationary environment so he could be tested.Just as Jesus stepped into one of two ships, two trees were placed in the midst of Adam’s daily activities as the means by which this testing would be accomplished.These two trees are diversely different in their intent and purpose.Adam was told to freely partake of the one; but he was forbidden to eat of the other.

The “tree of life” relates to a life style in which Adam lived in a dependent union with the Lord.He could only abide in this realm by partaking of the “tree of life” daily (communion).This confirmed and maintained his full dependence upon his Creator.A description of the “tree of life” is found in Isaiah, chapter 53, which reveals that Jesus is the tree of life (a root out of a dry ground).

“For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground.He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.”Isaiah 53:2

Jesus is seen by fallen mankind as offering nothing that would (to them) make Him desirable.The beauty of Jesus is therefore within, and is recognized only by spiritual perception through “regeneration” and Holy Spirit “enabling.”

The “tree of knowledge” relates to our “earthly” life that results from Adam’s transgression in which he chose to become independent from God.The fruit of this tree appears to us as being very pleasant to our eyes, and desirable as food.

By divine intent, the way of the flesh is appealing to every aspect of the fallen human makeup, whereas spirituality is seemingly uninviting.It would seem that spirituality should have been made attractive, and sin ugly.Therefore, we might ask, “Lord, why did you make our self-life attractive, rather than our spirituality?”

There is an answer.This high calling of spirituality can be gained only by making the right choices.And, the Lord has not made this easy.

For many are called, but few are chosen.”Matthew 22:14

Or, “Few will pay the price in order to be chosen.”