The Tree of Life: Divine Economy Working All Things - Orthodox (Romans 8:28)

As I was watching Terence Malick’s poignant film The Tree of Life, I was struck by a scene that encapsulates the profound tension between cosmic creation and deep family grief. The film weaves together the vastness of the universe—stars being born, galaxies colliding—with the intimate sorrow of a family grappling with loss. I couldn’t help but think of how this mirrors our lives, particularly in light of Romans 8:28, where Paul reminds us that God works all things for good for those who love Him.

Imagine a family gathered in a sunlit backyard, laughter echoing, children racing through the grass, their joy spilling over like lemonade from red plastic cups. But then, the scene shifts, and we see them standing at a gravesite, tears streaming down their faces. The contrast is jarring, yet it captures the reality of our existence: moments of joy intertwined with profound grief. It’s in these moments of sorrow where we question, where we wonder if there’s a purpose beyond the pain.

As the camera pans out in the film, we see how the divine economy—oikonomia, or God's providential plan—embraces every thread of creation, including our heartaches. When we feel lost, we can take comfort knowing that just as the universe expands and contracts, so too does God gather our broken pieces. Each tear, each moment of grief, is not wasted; they are part of a grander narrative that leads to theosis, our ultimate restoration in Christ.

This is where our faith steps in. We lean into the mystery, trusting that the God who created the cosmos is also caring for the intimate details of our lives. As we grieve, we remember: all things are being gathered up in Christ. Every loss, every heartache—nothing is beyond the reach of His redemptive hand. In this cosmic dance of creation, fall, and resurrection, we find hope. We lean forward, anticipating the glory that is to come, trusting that even in our darkest moments, God is still at work, weaving a tapestry of grace that encompasses all of us.