From the Manse – April 2009

Flower Cross – embroidery by Mrs Sylvia Park

During this Holy Week we look at the events of that week through the angle of the plants that are mentioned in the Easter story.  They are not key elements of the story, nevertheless they are part of it.  In one way or another they are woven into it and they come into touch with Jesus.  The palm branches symbolise the expectation of the people of a victorious King; the fig tree that does not produce fruit the barren faith of God’s covenant people; the olive trees of Gethsemane are offering the last anointing for His final suffering and death; the crown of thorns cause him pain and anguish as He dies; and the cross the means of execution, yet in the same time the sign of victory of God’s grace.

These plants, trees are part of the story.  They were recorded in it for a purpose.  Are you part of the story – God’s eternal story of salvation?  Have you come across Jesus Christ?  Is your life intertwined with His?  For that’s the important thing about Easter: that those whose lives are intertwined with Christ might have eternal life and forgiveness through His resurrection.

Have a blessed Easter Celebration!