There was a tree that was marked by a nail.
The heartwood of this tree was incredibly strong. Throughout its rings of growth, there was not a single blemish. You couldn’t tell this from the exterior, as it looked like every other tree.
This tree didn’t accumulate many growth rings, not compared to the others. Only a few decades worth. But that was sufficient, because this unblemished tree had one purpose.
Oh, but in those few short decades, many ate the fruit. They found refuge and healing in the shade of the tree’s boughs.
Even though it looked like all the other trees, many people knew it was different – that the heart was strong, and the wood pure.
One day, the harvest came for this tree.
Nails were hammered, the bark sliced, the sap ran out.
Some anguished because the time was too soon. A tree so strong and pure should remain in its spot in the ground, bearing fruit and providing shade.
It is hard to understand, but for this tree, its greatest beauty was revealed after the nails were driven through the bark and the tree felled.
For three days there was silence, everyone mourning the loss.
However, one morning the mystery of the tree with the strong heart and pure wood was revealed – a masterpiece, only recognizable by the marks from the nails.
This was the tree of life, Christ. There were only a few decades of life and ministry for Him, a death too soon and seemingly unjust with life and blood drained on the cross.
His strength and pureness was the only thing that could redeem our sinful hearts and blemished lives.
All of this was driven in by nails.
Three days revealed the mystery, the masterpiece of a risen Savior.
The marks upon this tree reveal its life and purpose was for us and our redemption. This is the tree with a strong heart and pure wood that gives us life.
And you know the tree of life, our living savior, because He is the one marked by a nail.