"The Tale of Two Trees"

On that dark night of the betrayal and arrest, there were two hills being climbed. At the end of each hill was a tree. One was the hill of Calvary the other was a hill of regret. Even though Judas arranged everything, upon seeing Jesus condemned, the regret hit him hard. All Jesus saw before Him was a monumental task of bearing the sins of the world. All Judas saw before him was the monumental task of betraying innocent blood. While Jesus was giving up His life freely to save, Judas was giving up his life stricken with life-ending grief. While Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father to raise Him up, Judas was alone, died alone and lost!

Too many today are climbing a hill of regret. Mistakes made, regrets of the past, times of great anxiety, tears of frustrations and years of doubts. Sometimes the pain is on the surface while other times is deep-seated within the heart. Some can remember. Others want to forget. All want to cope!

Why are so many living lives so empty? Why does it seem so many are climbing up the same hill Judas climbed? Oh, maybe not because we betrayed the Son of God with a kiss but yet, maybe we have? Many live with such guilt and heartache they head to an end that's barren. Why?

Because they have not looked to the One who climbed the hill of Calvary! Judas choose a tree at the top of the hill to end His life. Jesus took a tree at the top of His hill that gives life. Too many refuse to embrace the forgiveness offered. Our sin bearer, our eternal Redeemer, our Covenant Maker, our Savior is the only One that can rescue us from the sins of our past and take them from us. That's what the promise is that is made. "And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Heb. 10:17)

The choice is ours. Jesus offers to those of faith. To those who refuse and look other directions to relieve their downtrodden past, it is a painful and pitiful life that will lead to fears. Two trees, two completely different results. Which tree will you arrive at?