June 7, 2009
TREES AND JESUS
Trees come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, heights, and uses. Some trees are high and might, some are low and humble. Notice, if you will the connection that God is making in this week’s readings to trees, Jesus, and our spiritual growth. Observe.
“I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.” Ezekiel 17:22-23
Picture the mighty cedar tree – one of the strongest and hardest woods around. Now, compare this passage to Isaiah 53:2 and you have the Messianic promise – JESUS is the tree that came from the seeming dead branch of Jesse to bring shelter from sin, death, and the power of the devil.
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
Picture the majestic willow tree – growing lush and beautiful next to gurgling stream. God says that’s what we are when we are planted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ – lush, green, and growing.
“We have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1b
From strong trees often come beautiful buildings. But no matter how ornate and beautiful this earthly structure we live in is, it is nothing compared to the eternal structure waiting for us in Heaven, by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
“What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."
When God plants His seed of faith in our heart – no matter how small it may seem to us, by remaining in the branch of Jesus, getting nourishment from His Word, we grow strong – just like the tiny mustard seed.
What about you? Do you sometimes feel like a little twig or a scrubby branch? Drink deep from the waters of God’s Word, find shelter in the branches of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and watch as you grow closer to Jesus and stronger in your faith.
Week ending: June 14, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament)
Ezekial 17:22-24
Compare this reading with Isaiah 53:2 – do you see Jesus in there
Tuesday – Psalm 1
Contrast the two sides of the fence – the righteous and Christ and those who aren’t – which side are you on?
Wednesday –(Epistle)
2 Corinthians 5:1-1-
I’m but a stranger here – heaven is my home
Thursday – (Gospel)
Mark 4:26-34
ALL BY ITSELF – think we need to do something to gain spiritual growth – remain connected to THE branch and watch the growth happen – ALL BY ITSELF
Friday – Sit under a tree on a sunny day and marvel at the protection Christ gives us in His death and resuurection
Saturday – SHARE
Share a “tree” story of how God helped you to grow closer to Him
Sunday – find shelter in the branches of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
