Good Morning All,
The Psalmist speaks of trees. We, who live in South Dakota, should really
appreciate the Psalmist use of trees.
Trees are about as plentiful in the land of Canaan as they are
here. There are a few places where they
grow, like along rivers and streams but for the most part, they need to be
planted and tended to. Trees don’t just
happen; we need to make them happen.
The tree listed, an olive tree, is
especially a lot of work. Yet if tended
properly it would produce olives for years to come. If it didn’t, it would be uprooted and burned
then replaced by a new tree. So, notice
how the psalmist describes it.
I am like a green olive tree in the house
of God. Last year, I planted three new trees here. With the drought and the wind, it has been a
constant battle trying to keep them going.
We had to replant one of them, it didn’t make the winter. Right now, I hope
they will make the winter. It would be
nice to see them green and supple and full of leaves. They look more like beaten sticks. In many ways, we are like that. Without Jesus’ saving grace, we are just beaten-up
sticks which will not survive the winter.
But because of God’s grace, we are green, supple,
and healthy trees. We have the leaves
and are producing the fruit, not because of what we are but because of the
loving care which the Father gives to us.
He feeds us, He waters us, He weeds around us, and He keeps the soil
fresh and mellow. We are protected from
the harsh elements under the protection of his wings, safe in his loving arms.
We have a haven, a place which we can find
safety, solace, and peace. We can trust
in God’s steadfast love (mercy) to save us from all harm by the devil. When the droughts and cares of this life
would want to drain the life from us, we have a Savior who is tending to our
every need. We can grow strong in the
safety of his house. We can grow to
produce fruit because of his saving will.
God guards us and provides for us.
We do not have to be like the tree rooted up, rather, we are blessed by
God to be kind of tree that the Master wishes to keep.
The winds will howl, and the droughts and
insects and all the challenges of this life may come our way, but we are safe
in God’s loving arms; protected from all that the devil will throw. Through him we have all good things.
Father
of mercy, you give to us all that we need to support this body and life. Keep us mindful of the wondrous gifts which
we receive daily. Keep us watered and
nourished by your Word. Lead us to
produce fruit so that we may help to feed others. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.
God’s
Peace,
Pastor
Bret
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