Monday, May 6, 2002
Monday, May 6, 2002
To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that
is in the paradise of God.
The second tree said, "What I want more than anything in the world is that wherever I go in the
world, people will recognize me and will receive me gladly and will be glad that I have come."
The third tree said, "What I want more than anything in the world is to help people be
connected, to be in fellowship, to love one another."
The time came for the mature trees to be cut down and be made useful. The first tree was
selected by a master carpenter, and much to the disappointment of the tree, was made into a
shed and feed trough for the animals. But the tree came to understand that God had other
ideas because it was that shed that became a shelter for Mary and Joseph and the manger of
the baby Jesus, and before which the wise and important knelt.
The second tree was selected by a mariner who transformed the wood into a sturdy work boat.
The second tree was also disappointed. It was not what it had wished. But it was that boat that
Jesus stepped into to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and the bow of which became
his pulpit, and people were glad to see the boat.
The third tree was cut down by a Roman crew, who rough-hewed it, notched it, and used it for
an execution cross. Again, it also felt bitter disappointment, and sadness that it was to be the
instrument of the death of Jesus. But after that use, it was placed across a stream, and people
used it to cross over to a place of worship and fellowship.
An old spiritual speaks of crossing the river Jordan to get to the promised land. The cross of
Jesus Christ is that bridge. There is no other. He has paid the price that we might reach God.
(Revelation 2.7
NRSV)
There is beautiful story of three trees that grew together on a lovely hillside with a beautiful
view. As they grew, they did what many young people do, they imagined what they would do
when they were full-grown. One tree said to the other two, "What I want more than anything in
the world is to be important. I want people to acknowledge my importance and to bow before
me."
Dear Jesus, you have given me the opportunity to reach God. May I take the steps necessary
that will draw me to our Father in heaven. Amen.
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