Genesis 2:9 — The LORD God caused every tree that was pleasing to the eye and good for food to grow from the ground, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Good morning, brother or sister in the faith. My prayer is that you will be blessed in Christ, enjoy a good day and live for the glory of God.
Genesis 2 teaches that the God who created humanity also created the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He placed them in the Garden of Eden among many other trees that provided food. Yet God gave this command:
Genesis 2:16–17 — You may eat from every tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil stood in the middle of the garden. The reflection invites us to consider that, on the way there, humanity had access to all the other trees. Could someone eat from all those trees and still remain dissatisfied? Could someone have so many choices available and still pursue what God had forbidden? Why?
A person can taste everything and still remain dissatisfied
Satisfaction has a very high place in our everyday values. We often want something not because we need it, but simply because we wish to satisfy a personal longing or desire. Life certainly includes pleasure and things that are enjoyable and delightful, but it is not all about us. This is why God must occupy the centre of our hearts. Have you thought about pleasing God as earnestly as you pursue your own desires and needs? Do you understand that he is worthy of the best of your life, time and resources? Paul wrote, “We brought nothing into this world, and we can certainly take nothing out. So, if we have food and clothing, let us be content with these.”
The tree of life was available, yet humanity did not choose it
In the Garden of Eden, humanity had the opportunity to come to the tree of life but did not choose to do so. This is worth considering, because God continually invites us to drink his water and eat his bread, as Jesus taught. He invites us into the light and into eternal life. How often have you been invited to God's table, and how often have you accepted? Do you recognise that God is ready to receive you as you pray, read the Bible and seek him? Why look for nourishment in something that cannot satisfy you? Why pursue entertainment when you can receive peace that surpasses all understanding? Jesus is represented by the tree of life to which you may come at any time.
Have you understood that God has revealed his will in his Word, and that the Bible enables us to distinguish truth from error?
Humanity pursues the forbidden tree because it is what is missing
Satan often redirects our attention away from what we already have towards what we lack. In this sense, he is the god of dissatisfaction, self-interest and pride. Our lives should not be defined by what we lack, but by what God has given us: his Son, eternal life and the wonderful promise that, even if we die, we will one day rise to eternal glory. Have you considered thanking God for what you have rather than dwelling on what you lack? Have you considered the health with which you have been blessed, the family he has given you and, above all, the promises of eternal life that are yours in Christ Jesus?
Theological reflection
One of the clearest expressions of a genuine, steadfast faith is loyalty to God in our hardest moments: times of extreme need, pain or illness. We see this in Job, a man who possessed everything and then lost everything. How was he able to say, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD”?
Matthew 8:20 — Jesus said, “Foxes have dens and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
May gratitude distinguish you as a follower of Jesus. Remember the one who became poor in order to give us all the riches of his heavenly glory.
May God preserve your life in Christ Jesus, prosper you, guide you and build you up in his love and truth.
Take a moment. Bring what you have read before God.