"on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:2-5). As we celebrate Good Friday today we look back to remember the old rugged cross, but also can look forward to the climax of all Christ achieved on the cross in the new creation. Commentators point out that the word used for the "tree" of life is not the normal word for tree, but actually the word used in connection with the wooden cross of Christ. It's no accident! The tree of life is only open to us, because of what Jesus did for us on the tree of death. Where the first Adam disobeyed God about the tree, the last Adam obeyed His Father and has opened up heaven for all of us who trust in Him. Revelation is an exciting book filled with dramatic imagery and descriptions of conflict, but let's not forget that the Cross is where God's victory over sin, death and evil was won. In the new creation there will be no sin, because Jesus has died to make us holy; there will be no more curse, because Jesus has suffered it and exhausted it; there will be no death, because Jesus has died and risen; there will be no more evil to fear, because Jesus has vanquished its power and ensured its judgement. Take time today to meditate on the wonder of the Cross and all that Jesus accomplished there for us.
Praise God Today: "The Old Rugged Cross"
Carrubbers
Christian Centre
