“What is that tree? I love those purple blossoms!”
It was my second date with the woman who would become my wife. We were returning from our lunch date when we drove along a street lined by trees overflowing with exuberant purple flowers. Ironically, I had lived in the area for three years but had never noticed these trees.
“I don’t know…but I do know who might!” We were approaching the local botanical garden and I slowed and turned into the parking lot. Getting out, we went to the ticket office and asked the attendant who gave us our answer.
Jacaranda.
Blooming in the late spring and early summer, the Jacaranda will always remind my wife and me of the first week we met. The tree only gained my special appreciation when it became associated with our relationship. Prior to that, it was simply another tree, in spite of the magnificent burst of purple coloring. Many couples have a plant that is meaningful to their relationship. This is not surprising because God has done the same for His creation, reminders that are powerfully placed in the beginning and end of the Bible.
Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 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 2:8-9 (NIV)
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
Revelation 22:1-3 (NIV)
The Tree of Life was present in the Garden of Eden at the beginning of man’s history when there was perfection on earth. However, mankind willingly chose to reject God’s blessings and provisions. Yet, this did not stop God from carrying out His plan to restore the relationship that sin had ruptured. At the end of history, The Tree of Life will reappear to fulfill God’s promise to restore His creation to perfection, eternal life, and salvation through faith and belief in the Name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The Jacaranda reminds me of my sacred marriage bond. The Tree of Life is God’s promise to restore the sacred relationship between Him and His Creation.
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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