I See Men As Trees Walking

“I see men as trees walking." - Mark 8:24

Judi and I didn’t grow up together as children, but we had some commonalities in our experience. For one, we both loved nature. Also, Judi had a favorite tree she would sit in. It felt like a friendly and safe place. Sitting in that tree gave her a good feeling.

I also had a favorite tree that I would climb for the same reasons. It was a big live oak so strong that the branches barely moved as I navigated its leafy maze. I actually thought of it as my friend.

Have you ever noticed how often the Bible likens us to trees? It tells us in a number of places that as we trust our Father, we will be like trees planted by a river of water. We would not lack for a life source, even when the world around is experiencing drought. Our inner self would be well fed by the riverbank soil and the water every day. We will grow. We will become strong and established in the Father’s grace as we become rooted and grounded in His Love. We are not easily moved at the current events of the day. We bear fruit year-round.

This language speaks of our soul’s health. I’ve experienced a lot of personal healing as I know more about our Father’s love, but there is now something that excites more than my own well-being.

Jesus spoke of a mustard seed that grows into something large. We also are like that small seed that becomes a large tree where all the birds can find rest. I like the fact that we are becoming friendly places for weary souls. They can rest easy when they are with us, because we have learned the ways of Jesus. Our rest becomes restful for them.

Ezekiel 47 and Revelation 22 describe us as trees by the water whose fruit is for food. We have something wonderful to give! The fruit of the Spirit! Love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, kindness, and more!

Then it says that our leaves are for the healing of the nations. Love will heal the human race. We are so relevant and so needed.

It looks like God is growing a lot of trees right now. It feels good to be one, and it feels good to be growing around other trees of righteousness.

I know there is a lot of serious trouble happening in this world right now, and one can wonder what difference we can really make. I like what Judi says, “Let’s love who is in front of us.”  That is really a wonderful way to navigate this world!
  
Be fruitful and grow, friend!