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Intention

To appreciate ever more deeply the forgiveness, restoration and hope made available by Jesus on ‘the wonderful tree’ — the cross.

Scripture

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

– 1 Peter 2:24

Reflection

There’s a beautiful and moving sermon by the reformed theologian Geerhardus Vos with the memorable title “The Wonderful Tree” (the full text of which can be viewed here). Vos’ sermon is based on a single verse from Hosea 14:8:

“O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?
It is I who answer and look after you.
I am like an evergreen cypress;
From me comes your fruit.”

Vos makes the powerful point that the fundamental difference between the LORD and pagan idols is fruitfulness. Whereas the worship of Yahweh brings life, idolatry always results in barrenness and death. Vos explains the difference like this:

“In emphasising the verdant, living character of Jehovah with reference to Israel, the prophet may have had in mind, by way of contrast, the pagan deity from which these qualities of life and fruitfulness and miraculous provision are utterly absent.

There used to stand beside the altar of idolatry a pole rudely fashioned in the image of Asherah, the spouse of Baal and goddess of fruitfulness. Nothing could have more strikingly symbolised the barrenness and hopelessness of nature worship than this dead stump in which no bud could sprout, and on which no bird would alight, and of which no fruit was to be found forever.

How desperate is the plight of those Canaanites, modern no less than ancient, who must look for the satisfaction of their hunger to the dead wood of the Asherah of nature because they have no faith in the perpetual miracle of the fruit bearing fir tree of redemption.”

This is precisely what occurs with modern day worship of Asherah in abortion. It not only results in the murder of a child but also the lifelong guilt and shame for the baby’s mother. Idols always promise life, but only give you death.

Thankfully with Jesus, though, there is forgiveness, restoration and most of all, hope. Jesus reverses the curse of sin by dying on the ‘dead tree’ of a cross and then rising again from the dead so that everyone who believes in him might have everlasting life. As the apostle Peter declared:

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:24–25. See also Acts 5:30–31)

What a truly wonderful promise this is! Jesus has brought blessing by becoming a curse for us when he was crucified on ‘The Wonderful Tree’. As Paul writes:

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’ He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” (Galatians 3:13–14)

Video

Prayer

Gracious Father, we thank you that you have redeemed us through the cross of Jesus Christ. We ask that the ‘life’ in Jesus be made evident to all who are in a place of turmoil over an unplanned pregnancy or in a state of deep loss shame or guilt from past sins.

In your mercy, meet them in their cries and groanings and bring them into your peace and comfort. Let your Church lead the way, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Author Bio

Mark is the pastor at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Hobart. He and his wife have six children. Mark is a passionate advocate for faith, family, freedom and life. He is a gifted communicator and has made various appearances on radio and TV. He contributes to numerous online publications including The Spectator Australia, where his articles often appear in the most popular list.

Prayer Points for 21 Days for Life 2026

1. The Holy Spirit to transform our culture so that the shedding of this innocent blood becomes unthinkable in Australia. (Micah 6:7–8)
2. The Church be one, praying and advocating for the unborn. (John 17:21)
3. Each church across Australia to become a trusted place of mercy and redemption, so that anyone experiencing an unexpected pregnancy or who has been wounded by abortion will find help, hope and healing. For every church to be an effective House of Refuge for the unborn and their families, and Hubs of Love to be established in every city and town in the nation. (Hebrews 4:16)
4. Those considering or wounded by abortion to receive compassionate and confidential care by contacting Pregnancy Help Australia or visiting a life-affirming pregnancy centre. (Exodus 15:26)
5. Walks for life to flourish in every state and territory as a public witness. (Matthew 5:14–16)
6. Australians to vote for and elect bold MPs who’ll stand for and champion the sanctity of life. (Psalm 139:13–16)

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