… “You may freely eat any fruit in the garden except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die.” (Genesis 2:16, 17)
I think it’s interesting how God placed in the “center” of this lush garden the “Tree of Life” AND the “Tree of Knowledge”. God’s law was in force and it was simple. There were no vague or ambiguous references. These two trees were close in proximity to each other, but the roads they lead is as far apart as the East is from the West.

 

Eve finds herself in front of this destructive tree. Adam was also there, but he was not fulfilling his role as “covering, protector, promise keeper, high priest” of his home. It’s very similar to Lot “pitching his tents toward Sodom”. It wasn’t long before Lot and his family found themselves “inside” of Sodom!

 

(I John 2:16) “… the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” These are Satan’s only devices along with deception. Let’s take a closer look. He got Eve to “look (lust of the eyes) upon this fruit”. Eyes are easily gratified. It would taste so good (lust of the flesh). You will have experiential knowledge (pride of life).

 

Satan tempted Jesus the same way in Matthew 4: He is shown the glory of all the kingdoms of this world (lust of the eyes)… Make the stones into bread to comfort your belly (lust of the flesh)… If you be the Son of God, cast yourself down (pride of life). The only way to defeat this enemy is the way Jesus did… “The Word says… “

 

The road that leads to eternal life is to eat of the tree (Word of God) that brings life. Jesus said “I am the bread of life”. Open the Word today and enjoy all the benefits of the Kingdom of God as you walk this highway of blessing!