Over the years, people have often asked this difficult question about the gospel, that given to us by our loving Heavenly Father, “Why a tree, bearing prohibited fruit, was deliberately planted in the middle of the Garden of Eden? Was it a trap set for Adam and Eve?” The characteristics of Our Heavenly Father are fundamentally good, more to the point, He saw everything that He made was good. What was God’s intention when He created this tree (its proper name is The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil) that bore prohibited fruit?
Of course, we need to refer to the Bible to discern God’s intention. “In the middle of the garden, were the Tree of life and the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Gen 2:9) There were two trees but the real focal point should be on the Tree of life, its fruits bring forth abundant life. Only living in God’s will and walking in His word can result in a truly complete life. “My food” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent me ……” (John 4:34)
Our Heavenly Father blessed His children, Adam and Eve, whom He created in His own image. He gave them wisdom and the ability to take care of the earth, He gave them all kinds of fruit as food and most precious of all, they lived in a close mutually loving relationship with God. However, it was never His intention to create us as merely executors of His orders. He gifted us free will, the most precious gift of all. He values our choice of life. How tragic it was that humans chose the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil. “… for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Gen 2:17) They thought they would gain wisdom and become God’s equal, but their actions only brought punishment and a curse to all humankind. Didn’t they know, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom …” (Pro 9:10)
Nevertheless, our Heavenly Father is Great. He knew that we would choose our own way causing him great sadness. However, our disobedience did not stop Him from saving us. From the day of creation, He laid plans for our salvation. He even sacrificed His one and only loving son, Jesus Christ, who was born a man in order to bear eternal punishment on our behalf so that we might regain His glorious image. “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8) This wonderful love of the Heavenly Father truly stirs the hearts of all mankind. We treasure his great fatherly love. Have you returned to the heavenly home yet? I hope you receive this gift of unparalleled love from Heavenly Father this year!
“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.” (John 1:18) As a child, accepted and loved by God, we are determined to unite with Jesus as one. Through our good deeds and conduct, we offer our life as a good gift to our Heavenly Father. Will this be the best gift that you could offer to our Heavenly Father on this Father’s Day?
Pastor Alan Ip