Trees

A famous poet penned these unforgettable lines " I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree" A more recent poet, deploring the unsightly signs and billboards littering our modern landscape, countered with his own version" I think that I shall never see, a billboard lovely as a tree" They are both right. Trees are very beautiful and of enormous importance, in so many ways, to the well being of our planet and its inhabitants.
In the Bible, the oldest and most widely read book in the world, there are many allusions to trees, almost always spoken of, respectfully and reverentially and are symbolic of goodness and strength. From the "tree of life" and the "tree of good and evil" in Genesis, Gen.2:9, the first book of the Bible to the "tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations" in the last book, Revelation. Rev.22:2.

Jesus compared himself to a tree; " I am the vine( the trunk) you are the branches" John.15:1 and after a life of giving, under whose branches so many found safety, protection and peace - He was cut down and hanged on a wooden cross( a tree) but in his death, like the tree, he continued his noble service of giving and providing shelter and a home to the wandering and the weary.
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Wisdom is compared to a tree: "She (Wisdom) is a tree of life, to those who embrace her "Proverbs 3:18
A Just man is compared to a tree; "He is like a tree, planted by the rivers of waters"

Those who love God and serve others are referred to as trees; "They will be called trees of righteousness" Isaiah 61:3

The poet referred to earlier finishes his poem with this beautiful thought; "Poems were made by fools like me, but only God could make a tree"

May God bless you and keep you like trees, fruitful and ever-growing
Michael

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