We began our journey on this planet in a garden in which were planted two special trees. In the last chapter of the Book of Revelation, we find one absent:
“The river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. (Rev. 22:1-5)
As we can see, God is not interested in bringing us back to the garden. Cain had an idea of what Yahweh ultimately had in mind-a city. Cain actually tried to bring it about. He built the first city, but it was filled with the fruit of the curse. It was full of the spirit of murder and lies.
We find some differences between the condition of the garden of Eden and New Jerusalem. We will only focus on that which relates to bread. Adam was able to get his food from the seed-bearing plants of the field and the fruit of the trees. One has to reach down to receive the herbs of the field. One has to reach up to receive the fruit of trees. In the New Jerusalem the lower food is no longer available. The bread would not come from the earth (below), but from above. The river of the water of life flowed down from the throne of God and of the Lamb, the True Bread of Life, Jesus Christ. So then both types of food come from above in the New Jerusalem.
The Word, the Work, the Will, the very purpose for our lives must come from the One who created us. When someone designs something, its purpose is found in the designer, not in that which is created. We have not created (designed) ourselves. We have been designed, formed, fashioned by the Master Designer of all things. We must find our purpose, not in our own expectations or the expectations of those around us on the earthly (lower) plane. We must find our purpose from the New Jerusalem from above. Here we find the Hidden Manna, the Bread of Life.
We must learn to receive the Bread of Life from Jesus Christ who lives within us in the realm of the Spirit, a higher place. We must learn that we are but a part of His body. We must receive His Life from those other members of His body who also live in the Spirit. Ultimately then, we will discover even our enemy’s purposes come from above. God uses them to drive us to seek our strength and power from Him, from the Spirit instead of the flesh.
As we receive, we are also asked to give the Bread of Life. After Jesus breaks the bread, He asks us to share it with others. Here we have the true test of whether we are walking in the kingdom of God or in some other kingdom.
Jesus told us that the greatest in the Kingdom of God would be servant of all. I received a birthday card from a ministry which contained these words: “The true test of a servant is if I act like one when I am treated like one.” This “acid test” tells me I have not yet completely arrive. Oh, Lord hide us in your humility. Amen.
Tentmaker offers a number of articles, booklets, books, audio and video tapes on a variety of subjects dealing with the Bible and humanity’s relationship with its Creator. A list of materials is available for the asking.
This booklet, as well as most of what I have written, has been proofed and edited by my darling wife, Michelle. Her ability to pay attention to fine points is greatly appreciated, as is her love, patience, and support. Last, but first in my heart, I thank the Holy Spirit Who has been faithfully leading me into all Truth.
The End