As a Tree

Read Jeremiah 15:10-17:18
 
Jeremiah 17:5-8 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD. 6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. 7 But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”
 
IF you were to travel through some of the drier climates in the United States, you’d often see lines of Russian Olive trees planted and growing along streams and fields. The tree is described to be extremely tolerant of cold, heat, wet or dry. It is also the best windbreak tree for high wind areas. Russian Olive trees can be made into a hedge by planting them 10 feet apart in the row. The tree has low water requirements and displays a high tolerance for salt and alkali. Its stems, buds, and leaves have a dense covering of silvery to rusty scales and offer a sweet aroma. In Africa and the Mideast, the broom tree, also known as the juniper, is a small, shady tree that also provides shelter from sun and storm.
   Are you as these trees, a shelter for those who need protection? You will be as you trust in the LORD. In faith, you will be rooted in the eternal power of your Creator God. You will withstand the winds of wickedness that blow constantly against the human soul. You will be rooted to stand firmly against the storms attacking your relationship with God. Others will see your strength and seek you for the shelter of God’s comfort and peace. Because you follow Jesus, you will offer a pleasing aroma of his spiritual fruit to those who are hungry for their lives to have purpose and meaning.
   The Bible has many images of the strong, well-watered tree to illustrate a godly life. When you consider the multiple ways wood, leaves and fruit from trees are used, you can well understand why the LORD uses the tree to illustrate his high, wide and long kingdom truth.
   In contrast, why would anyone want to be a stunted shrub in the desert, with no hope for the future? The Liar deceives the world to believe a certain person has the answers we desire. Our trust in people can quickly disappear when their words and deeds remind us they are simply human as we are. When we hope in people for eternal truths, we are constantly left wondering, “What’s next?”
   Judah was trusting in the worldly powers that would soon disappear. Their lives were stunted, undernourished without roots in their Almighty God.
   Trust in the LORD. Root yourself in his truth. Break the winds of sin, so you can disperse the scent of salvation.