1 Pt. 2:21-25, The Perfect Tree

Several years ago our church choir presented a cantata called “The Perfect Tree.”  I was asked to share a devotional thought, which I did.  Having been to Israel a few times I mused a bit on the subject, which tree is the “perfect tree?”

In Gen. 2:9 the “tree of life” was in Eden.  It is also in Rev. 22:2 where we can live forever.  But also in Eden was “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,” of which Man partook, and became a sinner.  To be eating of the tree of life while in sin would be disastrous, so God put an end to it until such time as there could be a resolution to the sin issue.

Abraham dwelt under a terebinth tree.  That tree speaks of fellowship because God came and met with Abraham there (Gen. 13:18; 18:1).  But fellowship is hampered by the presence of sin. 

Palm trees, like you find at an oasis (Ex. 15:27) speak of earthly rest and the satisfaction of the soul.  But the people of Israel liked to use the palm trees in making idols (Jer. 5:10).

The almond tree is a wonderful tree, especially when in bloom.  It means that winter if over.  But God used the blossoming almond tree as a sign to Jeremiah that the long-promised judgment on Judah was now at hand (Jer. 1:11-12).

The fig tree is a great tree.  It’s large leaves tell us why the couple in Eden used them to cover their nakedness, after they sinned.  And Israel is still waiting for their to be buds on the fig tree as she continues to be chastened by God (Mk. 13:28-31).

Solomon used mighty and majestic cedars in building the temple.  But twice the temple was destroyed because of Israel sin. 

In Romans 11 God’s people are likened to an olive tree.  But now Israel has been temporarily cut off, and the Church could also be cut off if she were to fall away.  With every tree, they lack “perfection” because of sin.

The cross of Jesus, because it resolves man’s sin problem, is the perfect tree!  He was murdered on, and hung on, a tree (Ac. 5:30; 10:39-40).  It is perfect because it is a cross, a tree used for killing sinners.  The Law said, “cursed is everyone hung on a tree” (Dt. 21:22-23); Jesus was cursed for us (Gal. 3:10-14).  As the bronze serpent was lifted up in the wilderness so all who saw it could be healed, so Jesus was lifted up that He might draw all men to Himself (John 3:15-16).

Not just any cross would do.  The two thieves on crosses when Jesus died would not do.  Only Jesus, perfectly righteous, makes His cross the perfect tree (1 Pt. 2:22-24).  We are all in sin and an offense to our Creator.  But He, the Creator, has died on the tree, bearing our sins in His body.  “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him!” (2 Cor. 5:21)