The Tree of Life

October brings to mind visions of leaves falling in a riot of colors from the trees, fruit ripening and being picked from the trees on sunny autumn days, wood being readied for fireplaces and wood stoves for the cold of the coming winter.  Each year I can hardly wait for the trees to start turning, I love to see their fantastic colors.
 
A few years ago I was introduced to a hymn that gave me a whole new way to envision trees.  It’s based on the depiction of the Tree of Life in the 22nd chapter of the book of Revelation.  The Tree of Life that stands off the banks of the river of life that flows from the throne of God and the Lamb.  This tree’s leaves are for the healing of
the wounds of the nations.
 
As I read through this hymn, I think of all the violence, anger and pain that seems so prevalent in our world.  I think of the ongoing incivility in our nation’s discourse which divides us and keeps us from seeing one another as children of God.
 
And I realize much of this pain is caused by our sinfulness in how we treat each other, how we treat creation and how we treat God.
 
 There in God’s garden stands the Tree of Wisdom, whose leaves hold forth the healing
of the nations; Tree of all knowledge, Tree of all compassion, Tree of all beauty.
 
Its’ name is Jesus, name that says “Our Savior!” There on its branches see the scars of
suff’ring; see where the tendrils of our human selfhood feed on its lifeblood.
 
Thorns not its own are tangled in its foliage; our greed has starved it, our despite has
choked it.  Yet, look!  It lives!  Its grief has not destroyed it nor fire consumed it.
 
See how its branches reach to us in welcome; hear what the voice says “Come to me, ye weary! Give me your sickness, give me all your sorrow, I will give blessing.”
 
This is my ending, this my resurrection; into your hands, Lord, I commit my spirit.   
This have I searched for; now I can possess it.  This ground is holy.
 
All heav’n is singing “Thanks to Christ whose Passion offers in mercy, healing strength
and pardon.  Peoples and nations, take it, take it freely!  Amen!  My Master!
 
What an incredible image—a tree whose leaves are meant for healing hope for all God’s children and for all nations.  Despite the pain and poison of our sinfulness this Tree of Life stands strong and tall, offering God’s healing to all who are in need.
 
As you take in the beauty of autumn in Wisconsin this year, look at the trees. See their beauty and strength ,  See the palette God has painted.  But keep in mind that no matter how beautiful the trees seem to us here, this Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem will make the most glorious of trees seem a shadow.  The most beautiful of all awaits us
in God’s heavenly kingdom.   
 
In Christ,  
  Pastor Kris