Reflecting on Paradise and Gods Eternal Presence
This week, Bill challenged us to deepen our relationship with God by loving Him with our minds. Our focus was on the profound words of Jesus:
“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43 NLT
Have you ever wondered why Jesus used the word paradise instead of heaven or kingdom?
The Meaning of Paradise
The word paradise is a Greek translation (paradeisos) of the Hebrew word Gan, meaning "garden." This connects paradise directly to the Garden of Eden, the place of perfect communion between God and humanity in Genesis. We also find this term in Revelation, where paradise represents the eternal presence of God:
“To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.” — Revelation 2:7 NLT
From Genesis to Revelation, the garden appears at the beginning, the end, and in the present reality. It’s a powerful metaphor for God’s eternal presence: past, present, and future.
The Garden as the Presence of Jesus
The garden isn’t merely a physical place—it symbolizes the presence of Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega, the One who was, is, and is to come:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end.” — Revelation 1:8 NLT
Jesus is the eternal gardener, tending to our lives and inviting us to dwell in His presence. The garden is a picture of Him—our paradise is not a distant, intangible location but the reality of being with Him.
We Are Always in His Presence
As followers of Christ, we are never outside of His garden because His presence is everywhere. Acts 17:28 reminds us:
“For in him we live and move and exist.”
This truth should resonate deeply in our hearts: God is with us at all times, and we are in Him. His presence gives us confidence to pray, worship, and share His glory with the world.
Paradise and Prayer
Understanding that paradise is the presence of Jesus changes how we approach prayer. Prayer doesn’t require a specific location or meeting; it’s about a passion for His presence. When we truly grasp who He is—the eternal, ever-present One—we begin to pray with authority and confidence.
The Invitation to Dwell in His Garden
From the beginning of time to the end of this earth, we are invited to dwell in His garden. This truth should inspire us to:
Be a people of prayer.
Be a people of worship.
Reflect His glory in our daily lives.
Share the good news, inviting others to walk with the eternal I AM.
Paradise and Jesus: A Divine Link
Scripture consistently ties the concept of paradise to descriptions of Jesus (e.g., Ezekiel 8, Revelation 2). This reinforces the idea that paradise is not just a location but a relationship with Him.
Living in the Garden
Wherever we are, we are in His garden. Wherever we go, His presence surrounds us. This awareness transforms not only how we live but also how we pray.
Let’s dwell on this truth and let it ignite a passion for God’s presence in our lives. Let’s be a people who know the eternal gardener and invite others to experience His paradise.
What about you? How does the reality of God’s eternal presence change your understanding of prayer and worship? Share your reflections—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
