Dear Rose Park,
Do you know the story of the three trees? I wonder if you’ve ever heard of this story or perhaps even read it to your children or grandchildren. The story goes something like this…
Three trees were planted next to each other on top of a mountain. One day they began to dream of what they might become when they grew old. The first wanted to hold treasure, the second wanted to be a strong sailing ship, and the third wanted to grow tall so that others would raise their eyes to God. Many years had passed, and each of them became something. The first tree rejoiced when it was brought to a carpenter’s shop, but instead of a treasure chest it was made into a feed box. The second tree smiled when it was brought to a shipyard, but instead of a strong sailing boat it was made into a simple fishing boat. And the third tree was confused when it was made into beams and left in a lumberyard.
Many years went by but one night a young woman placed a newborn baby in the feed box; suddenly the first tree knew it was holding the greatest treasure in the world. Years later, as travelers were sailing on the sea in a simple fishing boat a thundering and thrashing storm arose. One of the tired travelers awoke from his slumber, he stood up, stretched out his hand, and calmed the storm; suddenly the second tree knew it was carrying the King of heaven and earth. Then on a Friday morning, the third tree was startled when it was pulled from the lumberyard and carried through an angry crowd. The tree flinched and shuddered as a man was nailed to her, the tree felt ugly and harsh. But on Sunday morning, God’s love changed everything. The third tree had changed from ugly and harsh to beautiful; suddenly the third tree knew that every time people saw her, they would think of God.
This coming Sunday morning we celebrate the third tree – the cross of Calvary. Its’ rugged appearance reminds us of the brutality and centrality of Christ’s sacrifice. As we approach Easter Sunday, may our eyes be drawn towards the third tree. It’s our hope that through worship, confession, repentance, and celebration our gaze might remain on the cross all year around.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark