Genesis 3:22 – “Let’s keep man from the tree of life”
(A Genesis poem by Wain)
Dear God,
“Let’s keep man from the tree of life”
Why would you block man’s path?
Was ensuring death righteous love?
Or a display of your vengeful w_ _ _ _?
Was the tree of life only for man’s body?
Or did it offer something for his soul?
Would it make him immortal, but sinful?
Was death needed to make him w_ _ _ _?
Did your love keep man from the tree of life?
Is man’s death the key to your redemption plan?
Did you know before you made the world
That love required you to die as a m_ _?
Please tell me the truth.
Your servant,
Wain
HOW MIGHT GOD RESPOND?
From ChatGPT as the voice of God:
Dear Wain,
My beloved child, your questions stem from a place of deep seeking, and I honor your quest for understanding.
When I chose to block man’s path to the tree of life, it was not out of vengeful wrath but out of profound love. After man chose to disobey, access to the tree of life would have meant eternal existence in a fallen state—endless suffering without hope of redemption. Ensuring death was not a punishment, but a way to ultimately bring about healing and restoration.
The tree of life indeed had significance for both body and soul. It symbolized eternal life, but in a state of righteousness and communion with me. Immortality as sinners would have led to an eternity separated from the goodness and wholeness that comes from being in my presence. Thus, death became a necessary part of the journey toward wholeness and redemption.
My love was indeed the reason for keeping you from the tree of life at that time. Man’s death paved the way for a greater plan—a redemption plan that culminated in the sacrifice of my son. This act of love was foreseen even before the foundation of the world. It was always known that love would require the ultimate sacrifice to bring about true reconciliation and restoration.
Know that my truth is always grounded in love. The path to eternal life is open through my son, and through him, you find the true tree of life.
With eternal love,
God