July 26, 2023: Eating From The Tree Of Life!

"...To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'" (Revelation 2:7, ESV)

There are twenty-two rewards in Revelation, chapters 2-3. These rewards are given explicitly to those who overcome and are victorious against the evil one. The word 'conquers' comes from the Greek word NIKE. It means victory, success, and supremacy! The one who has achieved this has overcome and won! They have not conquered an earthly foe; they have remained faithful to Christ by overcoming every spiritual foe.
    
Jesus threatened the church in Ephesus to have its lampstand removed if they did not repent of having lost their first love. To encourage them, Jesus offers a reward!
    
The reward for returning to their first love, Jesus, was to be able to eat of the Tree of Life! This tree was off-limits to humanity based upon the sin of Adam and Eve. God put a guardian, with a flaming sword, to protect the tree lest humanity eat its fruit and acquire immortality.
    
Jesus offers the church of Ephesus an enticing reward in exchange for overcoming their sin of lost love, lost works, and twisted theology. It is not a bribe but a promise they already possessed but had forgotten. The reminder is: Overcoming is worth your while! 
    
This Christian walk can sometimes be very challenging. It is challenging to the point of discouragement. We must always remember—if you do not quit you will eat of the Tree of Life!