“Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come.” (Romans 5:14 NLT)
The story of Adam and Eve is ultimately not about them. It points to the second Adam, the Seed of Eve—Jesus Christ.
Approach the next two paragraphs with an open mind and Bible. Compare Adam’s story with Christ’s garden experience.
ADAM
Adam dwelled in a lush garden. He had to decide about the tree. Adam disobeyed; for the lie set before him, He consumed its forbidden fruit. His choice resulted in the curse, which produced thorns, sweat, and shame. His departure from God’s good design led to DEATH for all humankind.
JESUS
Jesus abided in a garden (the garden of Gethsemane). He had to decide about the rugged tree. Jesus obeyed; For the joy set before Him, Jesus drank from the wrath-filled cup. He became cursed, sweat drops of blood, wore a crown of thorns, and went to the tree, scorning its shame. Jesus’ obedience earned LIFE for every person who puts their faith in Him. Jesus is the greater Adam.
When Eve ate the forbidden fruit, where was Adam? Within arm’s length. He saw his bride—bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh—eat death, and remained silent! Where was Christ’s bride—the Church—when He was in Gethsemane’s garden? Where was she when her fate hung on one decision? On His mind. As Jesus watered the garden with His bloody sweat, He saw you, and chose you.
“As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.” (Isaiah 62:5 NIV)
Adam only had one tree, but the second Adam faced many. Yes, Calvary’s tree was the ultimate, but Christ confronted “trees” every day. You see, every temptation is a “tree,” and every “tree” presents a choice. Resist temptation, or give into it? Obey or rebel? Save us, or save Himself? Jesus could have turned rocks into bread, but He chose to feast on completing the mission to free His bride. Our Groom could have commanded angels to catch Him if He leaped, yet He knelt in Gethsemane’s garden to pray for us. And because every demon knew our Husband, Christ faced more trees than we can fathom. They grew “forests” for Him—vast acres that would have put the cedars of Lebanon to shame. But thanks be to God, although Christ faced countless trees, He chose us every single time! From His first tree to His last, He loved us to the end.
If Calvary’s cross was the only tree He wanted to face (Not needed. God needs nothing.), Jesus would have descended from heaven on Good Friday and marched straight to it. But no. Out of His boundless love for His spouse, Jesus sought to accomplish more. Not only did He choose to receive the punishment for our rebellion, but He also descended from Paradise 33 years prior. Why? Why suffer for three decades? Here’s one of many reasons: to face trees. Christ humbly positioned Himself beneath the Mosaic law to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17, Galatians 4:4-5). And by obeying its 613 laws, He maintained righteousness—right standing with God. And for all of us who are His bride, He imputed His righteousness to us. Our Groom not only died for us, but He also LIVED for us! He paid the price for our disobedience, and gave us the reward for His obedience; He wore our sin, and we wear His merit. The Tailor, Who stretched out the heavens like a garment, and dressed the lilies of the field with splendor, arrayed us in a robe of His righteousness, His garment of praise.
“Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4 NIV)
Come, my soul. Behold your Groom hanging on your tree. Although you’ve been unfaithful to Him, He’s remained faithful to you. With His warm robe of innocence, He clothed you. Smash open the alabaster jar of your adoration and pour it on your Husband’s beautiful feet!
Written by Logan Stogner, 2022 copyright
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