It starts in the Garden of Eden: I began in a similar state
of innocence. And at some point, I decided to exercise autonomy to seek
happiness separate from God’s happiness, as Adam did. I partook of my own Tree
of Knowledge of Good and Evil in this way, determined to learn for myself. When
I come to myself, I realize God’s happiness is the only true happiness, and
must be restored from rebellion (evil) to willful submission (good) before
partaking of the Tree of Life. In this probationary interim, I am given a new
food: a paschal lamb reappointed in communion, symbols of Living Bread and
Living Waters, bread crumbs leading back to Heaven.
In this way, I taste and know
of the goodness of Jesus, in preparation for partaking of the Tree of Life, which
is most precious,
sweet above all that is sweet, and pure above all that is pure; whose leaf shall not
fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: the fruit thereof shall
be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine. And ye shall feast upon this
fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.
Ho, every one
that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye,
buy, and eat; yea, come, buy without money and without price. Wherefore do ye
spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which
satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and
let your soul delight itself in fatness.
