Comfortable in the middle

This is the final post in the Participating in the Tree of Life Series.  Here is a link to the most recent post:  Resurrection and Roots . Every time I consider that the Tree of Life is introduced in the Genesis creation story (Genesis 2:9), and then is referenced at the end of the Book of Revelation (Revelation 22:1-3), I’m compelled to believe it is intended to communicate a critical spiritual truth. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations As I’ve detailed in previous posts, I’m convinced that God’s intent for the Tree of Life imagery is to communicate that believers are to be part of this symbolic tree.   We have a role in the Tree of Life, as a conduit for the flow of the Holy Spirit into the world around us, both in the spiritual fruit we bear, as a consequence of being filled with living water (Holy Spirit), and in the active and continual presence of the Holy Spirit around us, as it pours out of us, ministering as God intended, to the world...

This is the 14th post in the Participating in the Tree of Life series.  Here are links to the first and most recent posts. In the midst of the Easter holiday, it’s a good time to reflect on what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection.   As He explained to His disciples prior to His arrest (Gospel of  John, chapter 16) Jesus would send the Holy Spirit after He was resurrected. 5 “but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” Jesus’ resurrection resulted in the impartation to, and flow of the Holy Spirit through those who believe in Him.   This blog series has detailed the flow of the Holy Spirit through those who believe, using the visual imagery of plants and the Tree of Life, as...