The Eternal Story of Life
The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:9)
Two named trees stood at the centre of Eden.
There are two important notes here to observe:
- amidst the perfect and endless foliage of Eden only two are named in the Bible; the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. These trees are brought first to Adam's and then to the Bible reader's attention. The reason is found in the second note.
- the position of 'middle' expresses priority. Priorities force decisions. These two trees were not to be ignored.
These two named trees are decision commanding trees, clearly placed by the Lord so they would demand attention. Decisions are required because of their very presence.
It is impossible to ignore decisions, for to do so is still to decide.
NOTE: the attention that Adam would give to the two named trees is of far more importance than their mere presence.
This is the eternal story of life, for what gains my attention gains me. I am captured, enslaved by the focus of my attention.
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:15-17)
Obedience is as equally a choice as is disobedience. In life's eternal story:
consequence is never absent from choice.
Today's Soul Snippet:
'Devotion to doctrine has replaced the doctrine of devotion.’ - Michael Cartwright
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