“Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2:8-9 NIV
“And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Genesis 2:15-17 NIV
Lord God,
Forbidden fruit. So many people, many Christians think it is about a forbidden apple! It actually refers to the fruit from the one forbidden tree. One tree among so many other fruiting trees in the orchard. ‘Not allowed’ makes it more tempting? If you tell a child not to do something they will often do it when they think you are not looking. Why do we just want to try a little bit of something we know we should not? Frightened of missing out? Looks good . . . so many sins start out with just a little nibble. Addiction is having to chasing the first taste as nothing after is ever as good.
Forbidden fruit could have been fig, pomegranate, orange, pear, plum, lime . . . a fruit we no longer see. It is good that it is not named because temptation comes in many disguises. We all have different weaknesses, as varied as the variety of fruit.
Forbidden fruit, even the name shows we know the truth. Some things should not be done, touched, or tried and will not be good for us. And God never leaves us without an opposite. The other special tree in the garden for them was the tree of life. They lost the right to eat from it. We had to wait till another tree gave us back the right to life. The tree upon which Jesus hung.
Every time we break bread or drink we can remember His words, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”” Luke 22:19,20) May Your Holy Spirit keep us from temptation, and may we remember each time we eat and drink the cost of life You gave us in Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours. Miracles.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For Paralympians, family and coaches and those supporting.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). The Royal family’s continuing health.
For Ukraine. May Your will be to end war, soon. Protect and bless Your church.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Peace, peace talks, an end to retaliation and hostage release.
For the autumn term at our local schools starting and staff and pupils.
For the House of Commons resitting.
For addicts, counsellors, residential centres and Churches working with those recovering.
For our local hospitals, local police and fire brigades.
For those who face temptation every day and choose freedom, strength and support.
For us to be free to make good choices and know a blessed day and peaceful night.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 6th September 2024
Yes there are some songs I repeat because I can never be reminded enough -He will hold us fast.
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight
When he comes at last
Lyrics: Matthew Sherman Merker