May 23, 2023 – Reflections on “God, The First Gardener!”

And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. Genesis 1:11:13.

          Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. 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. Genesis 2:7-9.

         My parents grew up on the farm and always had a garden. Gardening was a family affair. When I was sixteen, Mother gave me some onion ‘sets’ and she said for me to plant them, one by one, in the prepared row. A neighbor boy came over and watched me for a while before he commented, “You just keep on keepin’ on!” My thoughts exactly. I pondered his comment for several years before I realized this is needed to be steadfast in faith and to endure. For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. Psalm 33:4-5.

         God, the Giver of all the Provisions in the Garden of Eden from Walking with God, to giving names to His creation – Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. Genesis 2:19-20.

         When I planted one seed from a sweet pepper. One day, while watering, a pepper almost ready to pick–fell off the plant. As I stared, I had a “Wonder-Moment” as I saw that there was not one seed inside, but so many seeds. I was astonished. It was the moment I realized God’s goodness in seeds to be fruitful and multiply. He is amazing. God loves a growing faith in our hearts.

         We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore, we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4.

         When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the Tree of Good and Evil, they had to leave the Garden of Eden. Sin entered the hearts of men. But in the New Testament, there is the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed.

         Then He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here and watch with me.” And going a little farther, He fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38-39.

         Another garden is where Jesus laid in a new tomb, and He rose from the dead. The Garden of Resurrection. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells in you. Romans 8:10-11.

         Have you ever wondered what Heaven will be like? Again, my Mother answered a question. I asked her why she liked Flowers so much. She grew them to give to the old people. Her answer? Because God created them. Now, I look into the face of each flower I receive. If His Creation of the world brings us the Awe of Wonder-Time! The Garden of Glory–Heaven, will give us more than we can imagine.

         And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:3-5.

         For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:5-8.

     How often I sang this song growing up, and now its lyrics give me Joy. I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses;
     And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses;  And He walks with me, And He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own!      (Charles Austin Miles) 1868-1946.