Two Gardens-

I have heard many pastors and worship pastors say that "All life is worship," but what if it is a little deeper than that and worship was just the vector to get to that one thing.

I think the reality is "All of life is about relation." As I was thinking about that very fact this morning I thought about the scripture, the purpose for Christ's death, burial and resurrection and God giving us free will to make decisions yet knows our very being.

If you look how both the Old Testament and New Testament start out they both center around a different garden which are tied together and have much of the same things going on. The Old Testament starts out in the Garden of Eden as the New Testament starts out in the Garden of Gethsemane. In both cases God showed up (God the Father & God the Son) to have relation with those who were there. Eden it happened to be Adam & Eve as Gethsemane was Peter & John (and the other disciples). In both cases there was temptation where God warned them about the temptation and to be aware. Also in both cases each mentioned fled and hid from the presence of God.

As I thought about it a little deeper, there is but one difference yet one great connection. God desires relationship with His people. Although the Garden of Eden was the separation between God and man, the Garden of Gethsemane was the reset button. It was because the Son of God showed up to be the bridge to bring us back to communion with God. It was through the cross that we have a bridge to the Father. It was through the blood of His Son that flowed to cover our shame, denial, rejection and opened the door and split the curtain between God and man where we could hear His voice calling us His son & daughter. It was in the Garden of Gethsemane that when His followers thought was a repeat in Genesis actually became the start of yet again seeking them out and showing His grace and desire of communion.

As I think about this I think of many incidence where belief of that separation of relationship with God and man or even person to person seems to be permanent due to sin or tragedy. I think of the Road to Emmaus and Christ shows up, but the sorrow and shame kept them from realizing God was right there. I think of Thomas and his anger and doubt, yet God shows up and says 'feel my nail holes and my side.' Then I think of even the relationships we have day in and day out with family, friends and coworkers and find broken relationships, hurt, pain, longing, lost dreams and maybe not knowing if God knows even what is going on. Maybe we have suffered from a divorce and become like Cleopas walking that lonely road and not even recognizing who is walking by our side until we ask Him into relationship and realize that Jesus has been by our side in that lonely time. Maybe we are like Peter who we have fought back with a family member or friend causing harm, fleeing from their presence and even denying them, but hearing Christ say 'although you deny me and cause harm I have great plans for you and call you back." Maybe you are like Thomas and being so consumed by being right that you lost perspective and maybe lost a job or have conflict at work only to hear God say 'I'm here. Touch my side and feel my nail scared hands.'

Which garden are you residing in? Have you banishing yourself from God's goodness and separating yourself from others like Adam & Eve going into hiding and seclusion or are you like Peter & John where you run from God's presence only to hear His voice,show you how much He values you and sees purpose in you and shows you He has been walking by your side on the lonely road and has called you to greater things?

CAL