With spring in the air, I have been contemplating the symbolism of gardens. Gardening offers those who choose to enter this adventure a profound sense of purpose as the gardener nurtures small seedlings, waters budding plants, and finally reaps the blessings of their labor with each summer or fall harvest. In the scriptures, the natural world is referenced with symbolic meaning, from vineyards to lilies, fields, and harvests. Yet, the Gardens of God (Eden, Gethsemane and the Garden Tomb) hold a significance that transcends mere symbolism. For within these sacred places, life found birth, redemption, and the ultimate triumph over suffering. Why did God choose gardens for these pivotal moments? Perhaps to impart a timeless lesson: just as the plants rely on a Gardener for their growth, so too do we rely on Jesus Christ, the Gardener of our souls. It's a testament to His grace that the fruits of His labor extend to every soul, offering salvation to all. Truly, in the garden, we glimpse the profound truth of our dependence on a Higher power whose only motive has ever been and ever will be our earthly growth for a future heavenly harvest.
Reproduced from the artist’s digital file created with Midjourney and Procreate. Created 2024.
