Genesis 2:9 – 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. (NKJV)

One morning, while I was driving east past our university, the rising sun was at that perfect position to blind my vision. The visor could not help, and neither did my sunglasses.

As I kept driving and becoming quite concerned, one of the trees on the university property came into view. It was tall and just the right height and girth to block out the sun's penetrating power to blind. What caught my attention immediately was a pedestrian walking across the road. Needless to say, I responded appropriately. The pedestrian had no idea that initially I had not been able to see her, but thanks to the tree, she appeared in my view! Phew! By the grace of God, disaster was averted!

God used a tree that He had created so long before to save both me and the pedestrian from what could have been … well, you know the rest.

The timing of the tree's assistance with my vision prompted me to do a word study on trees in the Bible. One particular reference really caught my attention. In addressing his flock, the apostle Peter pointed out the redeeming work of the Saviour:

1 Peter 2:24-25 – [Christ] Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (NKJV)

Isn't it interesting how Christ's sacrifice on the tree at Calvary sheltered us from the wrath of God and allowed us to see our sins? While we were blinded and aimlessly wandering away from God, the tree upon which Jesus died restored our sight, revealed our situation and wrong direction, and enabled us to regain our bearing.

It's no wonder why we see the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. Was it in some way pointing us to Jesus and His ability to save us from disaster?

I think so!

Prayer: Your creation, O God, accomplishes more than we'll ever know. Not only are trees beneficial for the birds of the air for shelter from storms, but they also help people to travel safely and to avoid harming others. Your providential care is evident in all creation. Thank You! We pray in the name of the One Who died on a tree so that we could be set free from the wages of sin. Amen.

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About the author:

Karl Csaszar <csaszar1@nb.sympatico.ca>
New Maryland, New Brunswick, Canada
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