Family Trees

A man bragged to a stranger, “My family’s ancestry dates back to King Henry the VIII! How old is your family?”

“I can’t say,” came the reply. “Our family records were lost in the flood.”

Interesting reply. Important point.

There are 250 references to trees in the Bible. Most importantly is their significance to the story of salvation. In Genesis we read of the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Revelation we find the tree of life once again. We read that its branches are for the healing of the nations and that there will no longer be any curse. In Genesis the tree is associated with the fall of man and entrance of death. In Revelation the tree is associated with healing and everlasting life.

But sandwiched between Genesis and Revelation is the tree – the cross of salvation. It is Christ’s death upon that tree that made it possible for us to become part of His family.

Some place great importance on their past and their present. For those of us who are Christians, our tree assures us that our past sins are forgiven, that our present life is empowered by Christ and our future guaranteed.

Prayer: Jesus, it does not matter where we come from, only where we are going. We know that through Your mercy we have become part of Your family. May we always live as Your children. Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 3:3