Eden

And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. – Genesis 2:8-10

The story of the garden of Eden can be viewed as a microcosm, representative of Israel. God formed Israel as a people, then placed them in an idyllic land. There they are afforded access to life (from Jesus, though not yet revealed), accompanied with the expectation that they must live in accordance with God’s word (their failure to do so is met with ejection from the land). The unearthly river (rivers coalesce, not divide) flowing and spreading out from Eden depicts how Israel, through Jesus, was intended to bring blessings to other nations.

Father, thank You that, through the cross, You have formed us into Your people and made us suitable to take hold of life in Your Son and enter Your promised land (heaven). As Your Spirit helps us conform to Your word may Jesus’ blessing flow from us, bringing life to others.