THE TREE. The Greek word used here is xulon, KJV. staff, stock, tree
or wood. Following line of our subject is the translation the word tree. The
word is first used in reference to the crucifixion of Christ by Peter. They tried to destroy the way, the truth and the life by nailing that life to a
dead tree. Acts 5:30 Religiously blind they did not know nor realize that
they were living under the curse of the law, for they did not live according
to its teachings. When Christ was nailed to the tree He removed the curse from all who believe in Him. For cursed is the man who is hanged on a tree.
We need no longer live under the condemnation of one who is disobedient.Gal.3:13 Our sins are forgiven, they are removed and forgotten
by God. He took our place, bore our sins and judgment, that through Him
we might die to sins. Coming to life, His life, that we should live in His
righteousness. 1 Pet. 2:24 We are to have absolute identification with the
tree by being crucified with Him. In this manner we become one with His
death. We too die to sin. That we might live His life in this world. Rom. 6:6
Life is found at His tree of death, resurrection and eternal life.
A SYMBOL. The cross is important but only as a means toward an
end. The physical cross is not what is important. The person who hung
there and the work accomplished is the whole heart of the matter. The
Greek word, stauros, translated cross can mean a stake or a post. This
word comes from a root word meaning, to covenant, among others. The
importance of the cross is in the COVENANT that was accomplished. The
Covenant of salvation, yours and mine. An example, a fore shadowing of
the crucifixion is seen in an experience of the children of Israel in the
wilderness. Jesus tied one to the other by declaring that as Moses raised
up a serpent in the wilderness so the Son of Man must be lifted up.
Jn.3:14 When Israel sinned and were plagued by fiery serpents, Moses, following the direction of the Lord placed a replica of the serpent, made of
brass (judgment) on a pole. Any one bitten could fine healing by fleeing to
the pole and gazing upon it. Num. 21:7-9 That was a good thing. It was a
source of deliverance for them at that specific time and only there, for that
occasion. We hear nothing more concerning the serpent until the reign
of Hezekiah, {strengthened of Jehovah}, A man yet in his youth who became king in Judah. He was determined to cleanse the land of its idols. Among them was Nechushtan, {brass, copper or even a fetter}. What had been a great blessing to them was now sin to them. The serpent was not to be kept as an idol. 2 Kings 18:4 The wood of the cross is ineffective. The Christ of the cross is to be exalted and worshipped. Our source of eternal life is first in His crucifixion and then in ours. He died to sin, ours. We must die with him to the lust of the eye, the lust of flesh and the pride of life. Paul said; I am crucified with Christ, Yet I live, now by the LIFE of the Son of God. His life is real life and His life is ours. May we live according to our privileges.