OF GARDENS AND TREES
#169 OF GARDENS AND TREES
Scripture Genesis 2:8-9; John 19:41, NIV Orig. Date 8/8/1965
Rewr. Dates 7/23/1990
Passage: Genesis 2:8-9 8 Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 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.
John 19:41 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.
Purpose: For a Sunday evening message define the scriptural flow of gardens and trees through creation to crucifixion.
Keywords: Christ Crucified Miracle Creation Sin
Timeline/Series: Ben. Old Testament Miracles
Introduction
The direction taken this evening will plot a course from the Garden of Eden, by way of Gethsemane to Golgotha, and find our way to Glory, the only name befitting the garden where stands the “tree of life” as depicted in Revelation.
As chapter one describes the larger facet of creation, chapter two defines a specific place somewhere in the vestment of time where man was brought to his full potential. The place was called a garden. In the garden were trees. The trees were there for man’s aggrandizement. One was for his use and control. The other was to symbolize sensitive spiritual nature. His disuse of the tree was the means to that end.
When he selfishly tried to manifest control over this tree also, he was driven from the garden. Interestingly, Jesus brings us back to the garden. He went to one, Gethsemane, with His disciples to pray; then to another, Golgotha, to die for sin.
A tree was the nemesis of man that caused him to lose his place of favor in the garden. Now, another tree in a garden outside of Jerusalem offers man access once again.
John 19:41 “Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden.”
Acts 5:30 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a cross.”
Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates to the city.”
I. Do We Comprehend the Miracle?
V8 “And the Lord planted a garden.” Understanding the beauty of creation. Imagine the struggle with words to describe such a place. Our self-seeking words would fail. Human vocabulary not sufficient. We are limited in describing gardens that we have seen: Hodges Gardens at height of rose season; Bellingrath Gardens in February for azaleas; Natchez Pilgrimage in Spring; New England when leaves are turning; Smokies in early Summer for the Rhododendrons; Our own dogwood vistas. Our best description is visual.
People of many persuasions scoff at such a concept. They applaud what the hand of man conceives, creates, crafts, crowns. Yet they scoff at such a place as a Garden of Eden. Study the order of development (evolution) claimed by geology. Chaos: Light: Firmament (Expanse): Dry Land: Vegetation: Life (water, air land): Man (Lockyer-Miracles.)
Read the order of development in scripture. 1:2 Void: 1:3 Light: 1:6 Firmament: 1:9 Dry Land: 1:11 Grass: 1:22 Living Creatures (fish/fowl): 1:24 Beast of the earth: 1:26 Man.
More important, see that garden as a place of sinlessness. Evil influence had not yet corrupted. Where had he came from. Who knows? What had he been doing? Only now free to corrupt. Caught them at a time alone. Slithering serpent came to symbolize an attractive, reasonable agent. The woman left her sphere of safety. She parlayed with Satan. She made the word of God complicated. Genesis 3:3 “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.” We don’t know how Adam reported it to her.
II. Do We Contest the Miracle?
2:9 “And out of the ground the Lord made to grow every tree . . .” The keeper of the garden. We are given his name. The word “man” in 2:7. The same word “Adam” in 2:19. Called “husband” in 3:6 (maleness). What we know of the woman.
2:23 “woman” (24/wife) ishshah – female
3:20 “Eve” life chavvah
3:20 “mother” em
Recent genetic study called attention to human mammal going back to a common source (called Eve).
Human uniqueness. In comparative anatomy (Lockyer) rank among vertebrates is determined “by the proportion of brain to spinal column.” Fish 2-1; Reptiles 2.5-1; Birds 3-1; Mammal 4-1; Man 33-1. Genesis 2:7 “God breathed into his nostrils, the breath of life, and he became.”
The garden that was to be kept. The text speaks only of the tree. The larger text speaks of grass, herbs, fruit yielding [trees] (Genesis 1:11). The following (2:10) “And a river went out of Eden to water the garden.” Hardly a month passes that PBS does not have a program. 326 million cubic miles (S104p71) of water on the planet. 97% sea/2% ice caps/1% to exploit for man. Animals—National Geographic Society—50 years ago 10million elephants. Today maybe 750,000. Zoos may furnish gene pool necessary to keep.
We must view thee spiritual content also. Parallel between “tree” and “cross.” Arthur Pink
(G18p27) Contrasts.
God planted 2:9/ creature Matthew 27:35
Pleasant 3:6/ “saw no beauty” Isaiah 53
Forbade eat 2:17/ Revelation 2:7 “I will give to eat of the tree of life.”
As Satan tempted of the one, he tempts to restrain from the other
First (2:17) brought sin and death; Second (John 6:53f) “Except ye eat.”
Adam (3:23 turned out)/ thief Luke 23:42
III. Do We Contemporize the Miracle?
V9 “The tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Our world is a garden, and we are keepers. There are places of great beauty. Evidence of care and skill abound. Other places in the garden do not reveal such husbandry.
The garden testifies to the burden of sin. As Adam was driven from the garden, man is left with a world under the serious struggle with sin.
Not only do we need to be ecologists, but spiritual economists as well. God’s voice is still heard. It rings out amid the degradation. To Adam in the overburden of the garden. To Solomon in the flotsam of decadence. John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, I have chosen you.”
The battle is still going on. We are caretakers in His garden. It is easy to become distressed about the physical world. The beckoning voice directs us to the spiritual needs also. The fruit of Calvary’s tree is food for the soul. It also is pleasant to eyes of faith. At the foot of that tree is the ground where God meets the sinner. It is the place of the finished work of Christ. It is the final source of wisdom. I Corinthians 1:18 “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness, but to us who are saved, it is the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”
Conclusion
Trees offer us interesting instances. We have seen it depicted as curse (Genesis 3:17). Baker (Genesis 40:19): “hanged,” others. See it as comfort. (Genesis 18:1f) Three messengers “rest under the tree.” (See Jeremiah 50:6.) Revelation 14:13 “that they may rest from their labors.” Communion is next found. Genesis 18:8 “Under the tree they did eat.” Revelation 3:20 “Will sup with him and he with me.” Finally, there is cleansing. Exodus 15:23f “And the Lord showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, were made sweet.”
HELPING THE HOME TO HAPPINESS
#105 HELPING THE HOME TO HAPPINESS
Scripture Orig. 5/2/65 (5/77)
Genesis 2:18-24 NIV Rewr. 6/18/87
Passage: Genesis 2:18-24 18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 19 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam[a] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs[b] and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib[c] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
I Corinthians 7:3-5 3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Purpose: On the occasion of Father’s Day, urge my people to achieve a renewed understanding of the home as a unique spiritual blessing.
Keywords: Family Marriage Heritage Home
Introduction
We occasionally see stickers on cars identifying those within as participants in some marriage-meaning seminar. One of these stickers states, “We believe in marriage.” If one believes in God, and believes that He has spoken in His Word, then marriage is the fundamental human relationship.
What we read in Genesis 2 as the historic position of scripture, is found virtually unchanged when we read Paul’s interpretation found in I Corinthians 7. Clearly, Jesus saw it this way, and declared his teaching openly.
According to many social scientists, marriage is at a low point of esteem. 50% of all marriages end in divorce. The average span of a marriage is six to nine years, giving vent to what is called the “seven-year itch.” That’s another name for boredom based on acquired responsibility.
Don’t lose sight of the fact that in our 20th Century, sex has become a “sales” technique. Thus enter our salesperson counselors who advise solutions: “gracious living replaces the life of grace.” Instead of dealing with the problem, such counselors insist on a change of appearance, or wardrobe. The psychiatrist seeks the total dismantling of “guilt” insisting, “If it feels good, do it,” which in many cases is what we want to hear anyway.
The mandate upon the Christian in regard to marriage, is that God is the instigator of marriage, the molder of relationship, the magnifier of trust.
It is important that those who have weathered the winds of withdrawal, know Who has been their succor. As well, those who are facing uncertain days of threatened dissolution, need to know that their marriage is worth saving, and to know Him, only, who can. And, finally, those who look ahead to such a social dilemma, might know that God still honors His Word, for those who are willing to live by it, and for those who do not.
I. Marriage is Founded upon a Unique Spiritual Heritage. Genesis 2:24 “. . . he shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.” I Corinthians 7:3 “The husband shall give to the wife what is her due as his wife; and so also the wife to the husband.”
Such marriage is of divine origin. Living Bible: God took the rib and made the woman, brought her to the man, who responded, “This is it!” Grace is always getting more than we either expect or deserve. One is impelled to see intended, physical consummation. Some say it is the “result of sin.” Others, that God allows it as an impediment.
Scripture points to a higher goal of intent. It was to be creative, intimate, relational—ever so much more than carnal expression. It is the ultimate proclamation of selflessness. The Greek has three words expressing love: carnal, familial, selfless. Proverbs 18:22 “Whoso finds a wife, finds a good thing.” Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled.”
Such physical consummation becomes spiritual between two people on harmonious spiritual terms. It is the belief that its beginning, and tenure, are of God, and it is the contentment that the relationship is its own ultimate goal.
I remember a story (Readers Digest, March 1977), “There Came a Cry of Joy” about an ornithologist and a sparrow hawk. He trapped it, but instead of penning it at the end of the day, felt impressed to release it. He opened his hands, and watched as the hawk soared upward. From far overhead he heard the cry of another bird. “I was young then, and had seen little of the world, but when I heard that cry, my heart turned over. It was not the cry of the hawk I had released. I was now seeing farther up . . . where she had been soaring . . . for untold hours. And from far up, ringing from peak to peak of the summit over us, came a cry of such unutterable and ecstatic joy that it sounds down across the years and tingles among the cups on a quiet breakfast table.”
To this divine origin is added parenthood. It is lagniappe, not biological, but spiritual, emotional. Note: Parents, your children are being brainwashed with ideas relating to sex that are promiscuous, unrealistic. Let them see in your marriage the bases for the divine image. Youth, when you buy the contemporary garbage of promiscuity as a worthwhile goal, you reduce the chances that you will ever be able to experience what God wills for you.
II. Uniquely Spiritual, Marriage is also Uniquely Human. Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make an helpmeet for him.” I Corinthians 7:4 “The wife no longer has full rights over her body, but shares them with her husband. So also, the husband with the wife.”
The Christian home is a respite of equals. Matthew 19:6 “They are no longer two, but one flesh.” These equals work together to define roles. Indeed, the husband is to be head of wife and home. Ron used “obey” for the wife, but merited it not written into the companion vow.
The vulnerable marriages, Christian as well, are those that become power struggles. Speaking tongue-in-cheek, the husband settles big issues and the wife the little ones: The wife decides where to live, school for children, vacation plans, etc. The husband decides when to reestablish trade relations with China; whether or not to support the Contras; if PTL really should have sold the doghouse.
Both must take serious interest in avoiding what brings grief to the other. Watchwords are communication, compromise, commitment.
A relationship of equals is based on spiritual values. It is this that is most easily mismanaged. It is not a question of how much or how deeply we love. Love is measured in terms of quality. We must be able to gauge where we ourselves are spiritually, and to find another in spiritual harmony. The last statistics seen call attention to a much higher level of marital success for those marrying above college age, perhaps twice as high. It is not the college degree as much as age maturity. Youth are clearly vulnerable. All must remember that nothing physical or material will last.
Love sonnet: Thomas Moore, 18th Century Irish poet, was married to beautiful Bessie Dykes, an actress. In 1811, while away, he found out from a friend that she had been stricken with a skin disease, leaving her disfigured. She dreaded his return. This poem preceded him:
“Believe me if all those endearing young charms, Which I gaze on so fondly today,
Were to change by tomorrow, and melt in my arms, Like fairy-gifts fading way,
Thou would still be adored, as this moment thou art, Let thy loveliness fade as it will.
And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart Would incline itself verdantly still.
It is not while beauty and youth are thine own, And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear,
That the fervour and faith of a soul may be known, To which time will but make thee more dear!
No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets, But as truly loves on to the close;
As the sunflower turns on her god, when he sets, The same look which she turned when he rose.”
Others are as well vulnerable. Among them are those who have lost mates of special harmony. Marriage is not an end in itself. The key is always, “What God has joined together.” The solution is to allow the Spirit to lead.
The worst mistake in my life…. (***the remainder of this paragraph has been lost***).
What about the divorced? There are times when divorce or annulment are the only alternatives. That person has the right to marital happiness. The Christian must not ever take the easy way.
I came to know Wes Jackson in New Orleans. His wife had died, and he was dating a church lady. A friend, whose wife had walked out on his ministerial career, sympathized with him over the loss of his wife. “As strange as it may seem to you, I envy you. Not because your wife died, but because death is so final, while divorce is not. I know she’s out there somewhere, and I still care for her.”
III. For the Home to be Uniquely Christian, there Needs to be Grace to Accept Differences in Others’ Lives. The church performs in the role of extended family. Christ is the husband, the Church is the bride, and we are participants together in family.
Units within that family structure are going to differ. Marriage is the norm: the operating criteria for most of us. Single people are just as important to God. Marriage at any cost is not the answer. Making the most out of marriage is the answer for all married people. The church must stand ready to open its heart as well to those outside of traditional family, offering companionship, and a full sense of belonging.
Conclusion
Let me close, however, with a piece called “Practical Rules for a Happy Marriage.” “Never both be angry at the same time. Never talk at one another, either alone or in company. Never speak loudly to one another, unless the house is on fire. Let each one strive to yield most often to the wishes of the other. Let self-denial be the daily aim and practice of each. Never taunt with a past mistake. Neglect the whole world rather than one another. Never part for a day without loving words to remember. Never make a mean remark at the expense of the other. Never meet without a loving welcome. Never let the sun go down on any anger or grievance. Never forget the happy hours of early love. Never forget that marriage is ordained of God and that His blessings alone can make it what it ought to be. And you will be happy ever after.”
C.S. Lewis wrote in The Four Loves: “If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one. . . avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. . . . The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell.”
