The Righteous Will Flourish

Twenty-four years ago, the area on which our home was built was a farmer's field. Once the subdivision was established, trees were planted along the boulevard in front of or to the side of the homes. As I looked out the kitchen window this morning, I saw that the tree right across from us has flourished and provides a barrier of privacy for us, as well as shade. The tree on the next property is not as full and is noticeably smaller in size. I have no idea why some trees in the neighbourhood have flourished, while others have struggled, or in some cases, died, and all that remains is a cut-off stump. They were all planted around the same time and in soil that would have had similar nutrients. Maybe people watered some more when they were first planted to get them established.

Psalm 92:12-14 – The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. (NIV)

Both palm trees and cedar trees grow tall and strong and have long lives. Cedar trees can reach a height of 120 feet or more, and they symbolize strength and greatness. In the Middle East, palm trees produce dates, and they are stately and beautiful, symbolizing triumph and victory. They have extensive fibrous roots reaching in all directions, so they can flourish even in the desert.

Unlike the trees, we are not held to one location. In fact, in our Lord's great commission, He instructed us to "go and make disciples of all nations". In order to flourish as we make disciples, like the trees, we need to be well rooted in our relationship with the Lord.

Colossians 2:6-7 – So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (NIV)

These deep roots are vital to our ability to share the Word of God with others, and they allow us the confidence and ability to do the work that Jesus has commissioned us to do.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for Your Word, for the more that we delve into it, the more riches that we discover. Jesus, we thank You that You are alive in us. Help us to continue to flourish and to spread Your love to a lost and hurting world. In Your name, we pray. Amen.