Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
When I Google searched images of the tree of life they usually looked something like this. An interesting thing of the phrase “tree of life” is that it is an idea that exists across many mythologies, religions, and cultures. The tree of life is something that in one way or another connects all of life to a deity, to the rest of life, to the past (evolution), and/or to the entire cosmos (Wikipedia). In many instances the tree of life, world tree, or cosmic tree is considered as the key to unlocking the mysteries of mankind. It is the key to better understanding the world and whichever god one followed. Many people have searched far and wide for this key. The Christian claim and image of the tree of life is not as beautiful as the lovely picture I found on my Google search. The Christian tree of life is the very cross which Christ died on. This tree is commonly used to shame others for the sins they have committed. It is commonly used as something for which we are to feel bad or with which we are to curse our very existence. The old hymn is true that the old rugged cross is a symbol of suffering and shame, but it is important to remember whose suffering and shame took place, Christ’s. We are not called to look at the tree of life and chastise ourselves for its very existence. Instead we are called to reverence it because this tree of life is a tree of love. God so loved us that God brought this instrument of shame, suffering, and death to God’s very self to show each and everyone one of us the love that God has for us. Our God is a one who suffers for us and with us. For that we can give praise. For that we can go to a church service the Friday before Easter and truly call it Good Friday. Points to Ponder:
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AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
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