It is the time of year when the trees prepare to flaunt their majesty as their green leaves change to lovely shades of red, yellow, orange, brown, and even purple. Trees are beautiful, amazing creations of our awesome, creative God. Currently, about 3 trillion trees in 60,000 species exist. Among other functions, they provide shade, food, and beauty.
The smallest tree in the world is the Dwarf Willows also known as the Least Willow or Snowbed Willow, commonly found in Greenland, growing to a typical height of 2 inches. The tallest tree is the redwood (Sequoia) in California, reaching heights of 300 feet or more. Those are a few of the many interesting facts about trees; but did you ever consider the remarkable spiritual significance of them?
Trees are mentioned in the Bible more than any living thing other than God and people from the first chapter of Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation.
>> [Genesis 1:11] Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.
>> [Revelation 22:1-2] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Significant events in the Bible are marked by trees including the fall of man and the flood. In Proverbs 3:18, the Bible refers to wisdom as a tree: “She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.” The Tree of Life is often mentioned in God’s word.
Notable characters in the Bible have trees associated with them like Noah receiving the olive branch (Genesis 8:11); Abraham sitting under the oaks of Mamre [Genesis 18:1]; Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree (Luke 19:1-4); the blind man seeing people as if they were trees walking (Mark 8:24) to name a few.
There are many interesting practical and Biblical facts about trees, but what are some of the ways that we can relate to the imagery of trees?
One thing that every individual has is a family tree. In our spiritual life, Jesus is the vine and we are the branches.
The Lord wants our eyes to behold and marvel at His trees. They are beautiful and fascinating whether snow-capped, lush green, or with colorful leaves of autumn. Afterall, when God finished creation, He remarked that it was good.
We should steer clear of walking with the ungodly and delight in the Lord instead. [Psalm 1:1-3] says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
Our heavenly Father wants us to grow and make positive, appropriate changes in our lifetime just as healthy trees grow and change with every season. As we mature physically, mentally, and spiritually through the years, we should increase in strength and resilience. Saplings easily break in the wind, but mature trees get tougher with adversity and survive the years.
As trees produce food for our nourishment and growth, the Bible tells us to produce fruit in the way that we live and love God. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” And John 15:8 says, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so, you will be My disciples.”
Finally, we should rejoice in the Lord. The trees do! Psalm 96:12 says, “Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice.” Let’s not allow the trees to outshine us in rejoicing in our God.