Dec 06 – TREES OF THE LORD !

“The trees of the Lord are full of sap, The cedars of Lebanon which He planted” (Psalm 104:16)

‘Full of sap’ refers to the blessings upon the children of God. It is because of this sap, that the trees are rooted deep, bear sweet fruits and have lush green leaves.

In the land of Israel, there are some olive trees which continue to grow for one thousand or even two thousand years. When you look at the trunk of those trees, they will look very old. But their fruits are ripe and their leaves very green. They will be flourishing like young trees. Similarly, those who are planted by the temple of God, are like the tree that does not wither, as they feed on the word of God and be filled with the spiritual blessings.

What will be the state of trees that are planted along the river of Holy Spirit? Prophet Ezekiel mentions as follows: “Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail… Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” (Ezekiel 47:12). The greatness of a tree is in its fruit. Our Lord Jesus also stated that you shall know the tree by its fruit. You should therefore bear fruits for the Lord.

Now, what kind of fruits should you bear? These should be the fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians, chapter 5, verses 22 and 23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22, 23). Our Lord expects each of His children to bear such fruits. Just think whether those fruits are found in you today?

The Scripture also talks about fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:10), fruit of every good work (Colossians 1:10), and fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15). The Lord has graciously granted a flourishing and blessed life. All these are granted for you to bear fruits for Him in this world and also in heaven. About the tree in heaven, the Scripture says: “In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2).

Dear children of God, you are not ordinary trees planted by the way side. You are the trees planted by the rivers of living water. You are the trees that will bear fruits in due time and trees that will never wither. Praise and give thanks to God, for blessing you so wonderfully.

Verse for further meditation: “For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” (Isaiah 65:22)