Fruitful Trees
“That
person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in
season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)
Both
beauty and blessing are ascribed to trees. The Bartlett pear is known as one of
America’s most famous trees. Its blossoms in the spring are a source of beauty and
its luscious fruit in the fall are favorites for eating and canning preserves. Also
noted for its beautiful blossoms in the spring are the Magnolia and Cherry
trees. In the fall, we can enjoy the red, yellow, orange, and purple foliage of
the sugar maple, bald cypress, aspen, sassafras, and sweetgum.
The tree is
a familiar image in the Scripture. In the Garden of Eden, God used the “tree of knowledge of good and evil” to
test Adam and Eve’s obedience. He used a tree to symbolize Nebuchadnezzar’s downfall
and loss of his kingdom due to pride. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus uses the
“mustard seed” which becomes a tree to describe the expanse of the kingdom of
heaven.
Like a
tree, the Psalmist describes a godly person as alive, beautiful, fruitful,
useful and enduring. The most important part of a tree is its hidden root
system that draws up water and nourishment from the soil. Without a steady
stream of these ingredients the root system would shrivel up and the tree would
die.
The most
important part of the believer’s spiritual root system is the Lord Jesus Christ
and the word of God. Our spiritual vitality is dependent upon our drawing upon
the life giving nutrients from the Lord. These are obtained by our “abiding in
Christ,” and feeding upon the Scriptures. (John 15:1-9)
Two types
of flowers can be planted – annuals or perennials. I prefer the perennials that
will regenerate themselves year after year. Like perennials, believers who
abide in Christ will continue to stay fresh, green, and fruitful all year long.
We must remember, a tree or plant doesn’t eat its own fruit – others eat it.
Fruit comes from life, the life of God flowing in and through us.
Prayer; Dear Lord, help me continue to feed my
“spiritual roots” through the word of God and prayer.
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