A Tale of Three Trees

– In January we began a year-long journey through the Bible with Genesis, and today we end that journey with a reading from the last chapter of Revelation. In this final vision of final days John of Patmos sees a city wherein all things are reconciled. A Tree of Life is the focal point, somehow reminiscent of that tree in the Garden of Eden that broke down relationships between God and humans, between humans, and between humans and nature when humans gave into the temptation to trust themselves rather than trusting God. In God’s pursuit of restoration, at some point God decided to become human in the form of Jesus, who speaks of reconciliation and perfection in relationships, but who is crucified on a tree. In this final vision, then, we see God’s vision of reconciliation and the restoration of relationships. It is not here yet, but we can not only look for it but live into the vision by working to restore relationships with each other and with God.