Man like a tree
The prophet Ezekiel proclaims God's message. Words to the king of Egypt. Great is your power. You are a cedar of Lebanon.
It has grown tall, its branches provide shade. The earth supplies it with water, the springs in the depths allow it to grow upwards. It has many branches and a magnificent crown. In its branches the birds nest. It is a beautiful tree, tall and with long branches, for its roots receive plenty of water. (According to Ezekiel 31)
Cedar – Lebanon:
The cedar has a height of 25–40 meters and a width of up to 10 meters. They grow slowly – live very long, several hundred years, some up to 1000 years.
1. Hope and Trust
What does God's word say?
It has grown tall, its branches provide shade. The earth supplies it with water, the springs in the depths allow it to grow upwards. It has many branches and a magnificent crown. In its branches the birds nest. It is a beautiful tree, tall and with long branches, for its roots receive plenty of water. (According to Ezekiel 31)
Cedar – Lebanon:
The cedar has a height of 25–40 meters and a width of up to 10 meters. They grow slowly – live very long, several hundred years, some up to 1000 years.
1. Hope and Trust
What does God's word say?
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord..
Jeremiah 17:7 (ESV)
This is a person who spends his life in close communion with God.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91,1-2 (ESV)
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremia 17:8 (ESV)
Jeremiah 17:7 (ESV)
This is a person who spends his life in close communion with God.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91,1-2 (ESV)
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremia 17:8 (ESV)
The water represents the Word of God. Here we receive what we urgently need. When heat comes, he does not fear.
For example: unexpected events, difficulties, losses, too little love and understanding, illness... Despite changes, he does not give up. In connection with the living water: God's word, he strengthens his hope and trust in God.
2. Planted by the water
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1,1+2 (ESV)
A longing, a desire, he cannot and does not want to live without the word of God. It is his elixir of life. The source of strength to endure everyday life. Even at night, he meditates on the word of God.
Moses' last words to the people of Israel:
For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.
Deuteronomy 32:47 (ESV)
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:3 (ESV)
For example: unexpected events, difficulties, losses, too little love and understanding, illness... Despite changes, he does not give up. In connection with the living water: God's word, he strengthens his hope and trust in God.
2. Planted by the water
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1,1+2 (ESV)
A longing, a desire, he cannot and does not want to live without the word of God. It is his elixir of life. The source of strength to endure everyday life. Even at night, he meditates on the word of God.
Moses' last words to the people of Israel:
For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.
Deuteronomy 32:47 (ESV)
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:3 (ESV)
Man is guided and uplifted by God's word.
3. Planted at the house of the Lord
The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.
Psalm 92:12+13 (ESV)
Man is like a tree, what a comparison. Growth and gaining wisdom and understanding in faith happen in connection with God's word and prayer.
The promise:
They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.
Psalm 92,14 (ESV)
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)
What a view of old age. Not just losing weight and withering away, but being powerful and fresh. Bearing fruit: love, joy and peace, patience, kindness and goodness; faithfulness, forbearance and self-control.
We will bloom, be fruitful and fresh, and proclaim that the Lord is righteous and there is no injustice in Him. According to Psalm 92:16.
A man like a tree planted by the water.
- has his home in God's word - in God's house
- Relies on the Lord
- Places his confidence and hope in the Lord
Author: Edith Waechter
AI-Images1,4,5: https://www.bing.com/images/create/
Image2: https://unsplash.com/de
Image 3: https://waechter-media.de/
