Participating in the Tree of Life Series: Final thoughts

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 around us. 

Water represents the Holy Spirit

Remind yourself whenever it rains, that water represents the Holy Spirit.  Remind yourself that it is Jesus, the root, through which you have access to spiritual life through belief in Him, and that you have the Holy Spirit in you, as a consequence of what Jesus did for you.  Remind yourself that in the spirit, you never experience drought, but have abundant supply of living water flowing from the throne of God.

Abide in continuous light

Remind yourself that you, a participant in the Tree of Life, are never in darkness.  God’s light continually shines on you, causing the Holy Spirit to flow; causing fruit to be produced.  Darkness is a lie - you’re never separated from God’s light.  At certain moments, your feelings might cause you to doubt, yet your spiritual condition as a functioning branch in the Tree of Life remains true, so long as you believe and follow Jesus.  You can choose to see yourself in darkness, just like you can choose to see yourself thirsty, and without water - but neither is true for those who believe.

Let the river flow

Remind yourself of God’s purpose for you, as a branch in The Tree of Life.  There is a vapor cloud of living water (Holy Spirit) surrounding you continually, impacting the environment around you, including those you encounter, according to God’s declared purpose for the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11).  Be aware that God’s Holy Spirit is working on the hearts and minds of those around you, and be prepared to offer spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), as a means of contributing to the ministry of Jesus Christ we have been charged with.  Remember, you don’t have to exhort God to ‘let the river flow’, but rather, you need to understand and believe this occurs naturally by God’s design within those who believe.  Believe it, and let the river flow.

via GIPHY

People are thirsty for the truth

We carry what the world needs and thirsts for - living water.  It manifests through the spiritual fruit we bear, and it manifests as an outpouring through the leaves we bear.  People are thirsty for the truth, and while they may have found something to temporarily satisfy them, any source other than what God provides will fail to sustain in the end.  We bring good news - the free gift of living water.  Be aware of this gift in you, which others in your environment need.  Those of us who believe in Jesus, are the bride of Christ.  Consider the concluding invitation the bride extends to those who thirst (Revelation 22:17):

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

If you’re thirsty, consider taking up the invitation to join with Jesus Christ, and participate in the Tree of Life.

Comments

  1. Pablo MertzApril 10, 2021 at 6:15 PM

    Did you consider the movie "Avatar" to symbolically depict the Tree of Life as you've described it in these posts?

    ReplyDelete

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