Rooted in Eternity

Rooted in Eternity by Daryl Dooks

“Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

On a rocky outcrop on the rugged north shore of Aruba stands this bent and weathered snag of a fofoti tree. I have photographed this tree many times over the course of a decade, and each time I visit, I marvel at how this dead wood can withstand the harsh conditions of its location. Yet it remains, year after year, clinging to the rocky outcrop.

Two thousand years ago Jesus was led to a tree on a rocky hill called Golgotha. On that tree Jesus exchanged my sins for His righteousness, delivering me from a fate I could not have escaped. Second Corinthians 5:21 tells us that God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

George Bennard’s hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” expresses it beautifully:

In the old rugged cross,

Stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see;

For ’twas on that old cross

Jesus suffered and died,

To pardon and sanctify me.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

Just like this weathered old tree in Aruba, the message of the cross endures today. It withstands anything this world can throw at it. Because Jesus bore my sins in His body on the tree, I have peace with God, knowing that my sins are forgiven and that I have the promise of eternal life. Thank You, Jesus!

—Daryl Dooks

This section features original art created by Seventh-day Adventist artists from around the world. Featured art is curated by Jonathan Walter, assistant editor of the Adventist Review.

To submit any type of original Adventist art (poetry, music, painting, drawing, film, photography, sculpture, etc.), please contact art@adventistreview.org. Submission does not guarantee publication. Creative works showcased do not imply an endorsement of all works by featured artists.