The Two Trees, part two

Author’s note:  I have been obsessed with trees lately every since putting up a metal cut out of a tree with deep roots on the wall in my new home library.  Of course, the tree described as an analogy of a man of God found in Psalms 1 is a life-long obsession.  Also fascinating to me is the two trees that stood in the garden of Eden; physical trees with different intents, but somehow linked.  The one was connected to the fall of mankind, but the other bookends the Bible itself.  It first appears at the beginning in Eden, but appears also in John’s vision of heaven.  One, such as I who believes in the complete narrative of the Bible must conclude that this tree is both physical and symbolic (as well as having a purpose beyond my present comprehension).  These are the three elements that I seek to explore in the following prose poem.  It is a mystery and the journey, but often (as much of this life), the fun can be found in the journey.  Enjoy!  -KHN

There is a tree planted by rivers of waters.  It bears it’s fruit in season and its leaves never wither.  It stands in the middle of a garden designed for life.  The tree itself is designed for life.  That is what it is.

From creation this tree stood, planted deep into the soil at the center of the garden.  Unlike it’s neighbor, forever linked to our shameful past, this one is part of our unveiled future.  And while the garden of our past paradise is tied to the fate of this world, this tree is not.  The first tree will burn and pass away as the earth will burn and pass away.  Of all that grew in the garden, this tree alone will survive.

In the early morning dawn I sit in my home library with my Bible and my heart open.  The sun has yet to make it’s routine appearance, and in it’s stead the dim streetlight does a half-hearted attempt to fill the need.  Through my half-closed blinds a stream of orangey light streams in and casts a spotlight on my wall where hangs a metal cut-out of a tree with long branches and deep roots.  I look on the art hanging on my wall and my mind travels to the garden, past the angelic guard with the flaming sword baring my body from following my mind.  I travel past the many beautiful and fruitful trees planted around this mysterious field and stream and rocks and travel further in and further on.  In the center of the garden, I must first pass one of the trees with fruit that calls me from deep within my flesh.  I have fallen for that siren call before so many times.  This morning, however, I will flee past the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and head towards it’s twin.

Before me stands the tree of life.

I contemplate it’s meaning and, yes, it’s very existence.  Why in a place of eternal life must it exist?  If it is merely symbolic, why does it fruit give life?  If there is no pain or suffering, why does it’s leaves give healing for the nations?  Why does it stand here in the middle of a garden that already gives what it offers?  Some mysteries remain.  Why indeed.  “There are more things in heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy”

As clear as a prophecy, the tree is promised for the future of the citizens of the kingdom of God.  There we will stand with His name written on our foreheads and paradise restored.  Standing on the great street, planted by streams of living water and bringing fruit in every season. A symbol of what Bunyan’s character, Christian ran towards all the while yelling, “Life, Life, eternal life!” as he fled the wrath to come.

Let me also flee the wrath to come.  Let me set my eyes not on the Celestial City for it’s spender and glory, but for the King who is it’s splendor and glory.  Let me not live for the kingdom of heaven to be revealed only when I pass away.  Let me live for His kingdom now.  For I do not travel to it.  It has traveled to me.

Let Thy Kingdom come! Let me eat of the fruit of life not when my body lies in the ground.  Let me eat of it’s fruit in the quiet hour of the morning when my heart walks with my Savior in the cool of the day.  Let me be a man who is planted by streams of water.  May my life bring forth His fruit in season.  May my leaves, by His grace, never wither.

In the center of the garden stands two trees.  The first one is part of my past.  The other part of my future.

In the center of the garden stands two trees.  The first one is forbidden.  The other we were to eat freely.

In the center of the garden stands two trees.  The first one bears a unknown fruit of unknown poison.  The other bears it’s life-giving fruit in season.  All seasons.   A different fruit for each.

In the center of the garden stands two trees.  One is symbolic of mankind trying to become a god.  The other of our God becoming a man.

In the center of the garden stands two trees.  The first one I call Adam.  The other, though being the second Adam, has a grander name.  It is the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Hosts.  Emmanuel.  The Messiah and at His name every knee shall bow.

In the center of the garden stands two trees.  One brings death.  The other life.

In the center of the garden stands two trees.  One destined to became a cross.  The other…

…an empty grave.