![Picture](/uploads/4/8/6/1/48616497/published/161221-0002.jpg?250)
I saw these three trees on the side of a hill sometime back. They reminded me of the crucifixion. Three trees strong and alive, perhaps not so much unlike three trees two centuries ago...trees meant to sustain life by bearing fruit, giving shade, providing material to build a sturdy home, or donating wood to burn for warmth and cooking. God created beautiful, life giving trees, not tools of death.
![Picture](/uploads/4/8/6/1/48616497/published/53.jpg?1551898087)
![Picture](/uploads/4/8/6/1/48616497/published/54.jpg?1551899543)
Then from darkness... a temple curtain torn from top to bottom, a shaking earth, splitting rocks, broken tombs emptying themselves of bodies raised to life, and terrified guards comes the Truth, "Surely he was the Son of God." Life giving trees evolved into tools of death, but forever more they burst forth as symbols of new life and light and hope and grace and mercy and love.
When we are feeling down and out, about to give up, and seemingly seeing a win for the enemy, we must remember to look up, reach out, and take heart. Because of the work of Jesus on the cross, we can "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:3-5)
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33