. . . and that he who be a tree once overcame might, likewise, by a tree be overcome . . .
These words, too, belong to the Table Prayer known as the Proper Preface for Holy Week, chanted as we prepare to receive the body and blood of Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Just as it was in a particular time and place, namely on Good Friday on a cross, that your salvation was accomplished through payment for your sin, it was by way of particular persons engaged in battle, namely the devil and your Champion, Christ Jesus, that the entire disposition of God toward mankind was proven to be that of peace and good will as sung by the angels at the birth of Christ Jesus.
He who by a tree overcame, was overcome by Him who hung on a tree. This is a wonderful choice of words to describe the rescue Your Creator intended from the beginning, for this is how He draws near to you in love and defeats all your worst enemies, beginning with the accuser, who now is consigned to powerlessness in both condemning you before God, and taking you down to Sheol.
The spoiler has been spoiled of his prey. The ancient enemy bit off more than he could chew, acting from his nature to be a murderer and a liar, using sinful flesh to carry out his wishes. That same sinful flesh is now redeemed from sin, for the devil cannot partake of our flesh, but only use it for evil and work his worst with it for a short time.
The King of Creation rules from the Tree of the Cross, drawing all mankind to Himself and raising them from the dead, for he that believes on the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved from death and raised up at the Last Day in a body incorruptible like that of Christ Jesus. Who partakes of Christ Jesus by faith takes hold of the whole Christ, as He alone is worthy and able to own and abide in those whom he purchase in love with His precious blood.
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