Tree of life

Ken always talked about wanting to see the ‘Tree of life.’ In fact, he had the tree of life engraved on his gold wedding ring in 1983. I always wondered why that tree was of such interest to him and why he wanted to see it so much. I have been recently re-reading the ‘Heaven’ book by Randy Alcorn. This is probably the 10th time I’ve read it since it came out several years ago. I’m always amazed how I find new things in a book that I have read multiple times. This time, in chapter 3 he talks about the tree of life. It finally makes sense to me why Ken was so impressed with this tree.

This will not exactly be me writing. However, it will be long quotes from the book and much like reading a small portion of chapter 3 in Randy Alcorn’s heaven book. I’m happy to type it out because it helps me learn it better.

Enjoy!

‘Eden may now occupy in the present heaven. It says the Tree of life is located in the New Jerusalem on both sides of a great river (Revelation 22). And it seems Eden may be a great park at the center of the city. If the tree that distinguished Eden will be there, then why not Eden itself.

Revelation 2:7. The tree of life is presently in Paradise. Eden was treated differently and perhaps it was transplanted to Earth from heaven. We don’t know. We do know that before the fall, God came from heaven to visit with Adam and Eve. The presence of the tree of life that’s in the intermediate heaven suggests that heaven too has physical properties and is capable of containing physical objects.’

‘We will not see our real home until after our resurrection. Heaven is bursting with life and colors and vibrancy. Here on earth we can often recognize the true beauty God created, it is beauty that has faded under the ravages of the curse.

What will it be like to see true and undiminished beauty? What will it be like to be in your presence Lord and behold stunning works of art that you’ve created? If human art and music have so moved us, how much more will we be moved by your direct creation of art and music.

If a universe under the curse has so wowed us, how much more will we be amazed at a universe untouched by sin and suffering, death and corruption and disease. We can hardly wait Lord! Fill us each day with anticipation! You, oh Lord, are the absolute source of all pleasure and delight.’

Ken is finally there to admire this famous tree that he loved so much. Perhaps he is sitting underneath it and even painting it on a canvas.