Tree of Life

Genesis 3

I often think of the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the garden as I am leading Worship.  God tells Adam and Eve that they can eat from any tree in the garden, but one.  They eat of the one they're told not to and the tree of life - the tree that would be so very good for them - goes untouched.  For whatever reason the fruit they should not have was more appealing than the fruit that God would give them freely.  Part of the consequences of eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil is that they are kicked out of paradise.   

On Sunday mornings, on this morning, you are invited to eat and to drink that which gives life and salvation.  You are invited to the Lord's table where you will hear:  Take and eat, this is my body given for you.  Do this in remembrance of me... Take and drink of it, all of you.  This cup is the New Testament in my blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.  Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.  Jesus has given his body and his blood for you - that you might live.  Upon his death, the temple curtain was torn in two.  Upon his death, the gate to the kingdom of God was flung wide open for all who believe.  Upon his death, we all have gained access, once again, to the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ.

Will you be eating that good fruit this morning - fruit that will reconcile you to God, our Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Or will, you like Adam and Eve, be tempted by a fruit that will not give you eternal life, a fruit that leads only to pain and sorrow, even to death?   

May God grant that you should be filled with a desire to receive the gift of life that God so freely gives to you, in Jesus Christ our Lord.