The Choice

From the beginning, man has had a choice; ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die’ (Genesis 2:16-17). In the centre of the Garden was the tree of life (Genesis 2:9). There was the choice; life or death. To choose life would secure an eternal living relationship with God Himself, with all the blessings that go with it. But, although the consequences had been spelled out clearly, man wanted more. He wanted to be like God (Genesis 3:5). He chose death.

The prospect of a unique relationship between God and His creation had been rejected. A barrier of sin had come between them. Man had isolated himself from God. This called for extreme measures on God’s part to restore that relationship. It cost Him His son’s life. But, because of His love for mankind, He was prepared to pay the price.

On another occasion, God spoke to Moses from the mountain top. He laid out the options for blessings and prosperity, or the consequences of sin which lead to death (Deuteronomy 27 & 28). The enemy had already established a foothold, and God’s people were creating their own idols (Exodus 32:8). Again, the Creator was rejected at the expense of man’s selfishness. God could see where they were heading, and, having explained the consequences of their sin before them, He urged them to ‘choose life’ (Deuteronomy 30:19).

The choice is still there. The most important decision mankind has to make is still before us. Yet the evil one seems to hold sway. Man has persisted in the belief that he alone can make things better for himself, and that he alone can find his own way. But God is patient. He continues to hold out the promise of life, not just in times to come, but now. It’s not just a way of living, but ‘life to the full’ (John 10:10). Life is so rewarding, especially when God is offering the prize

God’s purposes will be fulfilled. The end will certainly come (Matthew 24:14), and His glory will be seen by all who receive Him, for ‘they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’ (Revelation 7:14).

There’s still time to take from the tree of life. When heaven and earth pass away, and all things become new, that tree is still there. It stands by the side of the river of life which flows directly from the throne of God (Revelation 22:1-2).

‘Blessed are those who wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life’ (Revelation 22:14). Let’s take and eat and live as God intended. Let’s choose life.

Prayer: I thank You, Lord, that the plans You have for me are for good and not for evil; that Your purpose is to bless and to take me into a deeper living relationship with You. Thank You for Your grace and mercy, and the blood of Jesus, which cleanses me from my sin. I now choose life and acknowledge You as my Lord. Please help me to walk close to You in this living relationship, in Jesus’ name. Amen.