1. A GARDEN OF NEARNESS
Genesis 3:8 "They heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day".
How sweet must have been Adam and Eve’s daily existence - Christ walking with them through Eden. But sin spoiled it. Yet the Saviour loves to draw near to His blood-bought children - Luke 24:15 "It came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them".
2. A GARDEN OF HEAVINESS
Matthew 26:37 "He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy". No wonder the Saviour was "heavy" in Gethsemane - our sin was weighing down upon Him.
3. A GARDEN OF BITTERNESS
Luke 23:33 "When they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him".
Death and the curse were in our cup:
O Christ, ’twas full for Thee;
But Thou hast drained the last dark drop,
’Tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup, love drank it up;
Now blessing’s draught for me.
4. A GARDEN OF JOYFULNESS
John 19:41 "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid".
We read of the joy of the disciples when they knew Christ was alive - Matthew 28:8 & Luke 24:41+52. Their joy is ours too.
I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.
