Like A Tree Part 1

I have been going through the verses of Psalm 1 – we have looked at those in the Book of Psalms who are blessed (HERE), and the 7 things God calls us to delight in from the Psalms (HERE).

Verse 3 says that when we follow the ways of the Lord and delight in His Word we will be like a tree:

Ps. 1:3 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.

...but what exactly does it mean that we will be like a tree?

The tree will be:

• Planted by rivers of water

• Fruitful

• Durable

• Prosperous

The Book of Psalms describes 3 kinds of tree that make up a perfect picture of Believers:

Ps. 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.

1. The olive tree is one of the most valuable trees in all of Israel. The Lord uses the olive tree to symbolize many characteristics of Jesus, His Church and great spiritual principles:

- The olive tree is an evergreen that grows the best when planted in direct sunlight

- The olive tree produces clusters of small, white flowers

- The olive takes a long time to grow, but produces olives for many years. Many olive trees are hundreds of years old and some are known to be over a thousand years old

- The olive can grow in difficult climates and dry soils

- The olive is resistant to drought, fire, and disease

- The olive is able to grow and sprout shoots after the tree is cut down or burned. Even as many as 5 trunks can spring up from the same root

- The olive trees are beaten with sticks when it is time for the harvest

- The olive is harvested and crushed so that oil is extracted

- The olive oil is used for medicine (Luke 10:34 James 5:14), food (2Chron. 2:10), anointing (Psalm 23:5 Matt. 6:17), soap, lamps (Matt. 25:3)

- The olive is a symbol of peace, wisdom, glory, fertility, power, purity, life

Just think about it…when we are planted and rooted in Christ who is our Living Water:

- We are like evergreen trees – we never fade. We flourish the very best when we are in direct contact with the Son

- We are clothed in white, which symbolizes purity

- We can be fruitful for many years and our legacy is eternal

- We are able to grow in any place so long as we are rooted in Christ

- We are resistant to drought, fire, and disease when Christ is our Supply, Healer and Refuge

- We are able to grow even after great suffering and death if our roots are in Christ

- Jesus was beaten and bruised or our iniquities

- Jesus was crushed so that the oil of anointing could be poured on us

- Jesus’ anointing is our healing, He is our nourishment and the light for our path

- Jesus is our peace, wisdom, glory, fertility, power, purity, life

2. The palm tree HERE

3. The cedar of Lebanon HERE