A Tree Like No Other
Read Time: 2 min
It all began as an art project. Sam Van Aken, an associate professor of sculpture at Syracuse University, came up with the idea of creating a multicolored blossom tree. When an experimental orchard was closing, he acquired over 250 heritage varieties. Then he began grafting different stone fruits (almond, apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, and plum) onto single trees. Today, Sam has several trees that he calls the Tree of 40 Fruits.
Sam’s tree reminds us of the tree of life in today’s verse. Of course, the heavenly tree not only yields “fruit every month,” but partakers of this tree will never die. Only those who have relied upon Christ to conquer sin can eat from this tree. “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is the midst of the Paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).
When Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, they gave up the right to the tree of life and were banished from Eden. But this sacred tree was not lost forever; it will once more be found—in the earth made new. One day, the redeemed, gathered together, will have the joy of feasting together on the fruits of this life-giving wonder.
This tree symbolizes Christ and His words. In one sense, we now have access to the fruit of the tree of life and to its healing leaves when we study the Word of God. Jesus is called the Word, and His words bring us life (John 1:4).
Imagine standing with Jesus next to the tree of life. Our great Teacher plucks the fruit and explains to us special new truths never before heard. As we eat this life-giving fruit, our minds and bodies will grow and develop to reflect more and more the glory of God. Are you making plans to stand by the tree of life, next to the beautiful river that flows from the throne of God?
Dear God, I choose every day to partake of Your life-giving words found in the Bible.
For Further Study: Genesis 3:22–24; Ezekiel 47:12; Micah 4:3, 4
Key Bible Texts
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2 KJV)