The LORD God planted a garden and there He placed the man he had formed from the ground. And out of the ground the LORD God caused every tree to grow that is pleasing to the sight and good for food. There was also a river that flowed out to water the garden. Then He took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it. The man and the woman God had formed from his rib heard the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and they hid themselves from His presence in the trees, but they confessed that they had eaten from the forbidden tree of life, so God cursed them: The woman will have pain in childbirth. The man will have hard labor to eat from the plants of the ground. Then the LORD God drove them out of the garden. From Genesis 2 and 3.
And the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, down the center of the street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, yielding fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Never again will anything be cursed. Revelation 22: 1-3
In Genesis 1 we read that God created the heavens and the earth and everything in it, so it follows that God was the First Gardener. He created the Garden of Eden, Ezekiel calls it the Garden of God, for the man and for the woman. And He grew trees that were pleasing to look at. I’m not sure I’ve seen an ugly tree, but I have seen trees that haven’t been taken care of properly. So God not only created beautiful trees, but He knew how to shape them, and keep them growing straight and tall, or round and shady, according to His design. Different trees need different soils and sun. I imagine God placing them in the perfect spot so each tree would have the opportunity to be its best. Like He does with us, His other creation.
God also liked trees that produced fruit that was good to eat. From the description and the names of the four rivers (Genesis 2:10-14), some scholars place the Garden of Eden in Iraq. If so, then some of the fruits that might have been eaten in the garden could have been tangerines, lemons and limes, dates, cherries, pomegranates, peaches and oranges. All my favorites, although it might have been too hot for apples. Adam and Eve had a lot to choose from, but still they were persuaded by the serpent to eat from the forbidden tree. And because of that, God cursed them and drove them out of the garden. The rest is history!
In the Revelation’s picture of the heavenly City of God, we see that God is still the Master Gardener, tending His creation. He has placed two trees of life there, watered by the river of life. There we will be free to eat its fruit, all we want. That fruit is ready for harvest every month. The curse is gone!
God not only created the physical things we now see and some we will see in the future, but He created the seasons, the rain, good soil and all the processes that had to happen for Him to be the first and best Gardener. Those systems are still in play today, not only physically, but to serve as a picture of spiritual harvest that is His number one priority.
Jesus came as a baby, just like food starts from seeds, and He was nurtured by His parents and by His Father in heaven. “He kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52) And He came to spiritually harvest all the seed-planting that we do, responding in magnificent joy to each one saved.
What have you learned about God the Gardener that stands out for you?
Write in your journal about how you have seen Him tend and nurture you.
Creator God, You have created so many things for Your joy and for mine. Help me notice as You nurture me. Thank You! Amen.
happy hunger 
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