Gardens: The Presence And Redemption Of God
Genesis 2:8
And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Matthew 26:36;39
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”;
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
God Is A
Greek word for garden is: paradeisos
It is where we get the word: paradise
The First Garden Was A
We Can See This In The Designs Of The Tabernacle And The Temple:
The Temple Is Built From Cedar Trees “carved in the form of gourds and open flowers,” With Cypress Flooring (1 Kings 6:15–18).
Like Eden, It’s Guarded By Cherubim, Built On A Mountain, Entered From The East, And Adorned With Gold And Onyx (1 Chron. 29:2).
The Sanctuary Doors Are Made Of Olivewood Carved With Palm Trees And Blooming Flowers (1 Kings 6:31–32).
The Bronze Pillars Are Decorated With Hundreds Of Pomegranates And “On The Tops Of The Pillars Was Lily-Work” (1 Kings 7:20–22).
The Panels Feature Livestock (Oxen) And Wild Beasts (Lions), And The Court Is Surrounded By Fresh Water (1 Kings vv. 23–29).
There’s A Tree-Shaped Lampstand Outside The Holy Of Holies And Ten More Made Of Pure Gold (1 Kings v. 49).
Gardens Are Places Of Abundance, Divine Presence And
The First Marriage Happened In A Garden
(Gen. 2:18–25).
Symbolizing The Love Between Christ And The Church
(Eph. 5:31–32).
The Garden Is Also A Place Of
The Human Story Is A Long Journey To Get Back To The Garden.
Our Way Back Into The Garden, With All It’s Abundance, Presence And Love Was Secured In Two Gardens:
The Garden of Gethsemane and The Garden Tomb.
Jesus Reversed Eden’s Decision By Saying, “Not My Will But Yours,” Instead Of Adam’s “Not Your Will But Mine.”
The Resurrection Transforms The Garden Tomb From A Symbol Of Defeat Into One Of Hope And Renewal, Mirroring The Life And Fellowship That Existed In Eden Before The Fall.
Jesus Said While Being Crucified That Those Who Trust Him Can Be Brought Back To God:
Luke 23:43, “Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise…”
Paradeisos: Garden
TABLE TIME:
Reflect on the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Garden Tomb.
How does each of these gardens reveal different aspects of God’s character and His plan for
humanity?
How do these biblical gardens help us understand the overarching narrative of God’s redemption and restoration?
Gardens undergo continuous growth and transformation.
How does this process reflect God’s work in transforming us spiritually?
What does the pruning process in gardening teach us about God’s discipline and guidance in our lives?
How have you experienced God’s pruning, and what was the result?
Gardens often require a community of gardeners to thrive.
How does this illustrate the importance of community in our spiritual growth and the nature of God’s relational character?
PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER AT YOUR TABLE:
WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO ME?