And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does he prospers. Psalms 1:3 (New American Standard Bible)
In the Bible trees usually represent strength and beauty. There are a couple of good representations that exist in our world today. Two trees are the Bristlecone Pine Tree and the Giant Sequoia Redwood. The Bristlecone Pine lives primarily in the White-Inyo Mountains of California. It has been reckoned to be the oldest living thing on earth at an estimated age of 4,767 years. It has existed all those years in a high and harsh environment. The Giant Sequoia is the second of the mighty trees. Redwood trees can live well over 2000 years and are the largest trees on the planet with heights of nearly 300 feet weighing in at an amazing 5,511,500 pounds (2500 metric tons).
The Psalmist says that those whose meditation is on the Lord are influenced by the Word of God. Such meditation involves study, practice of what they learn and times of solitary time alone and like a tree, abiding in the Word of Life. This is possible only if a person desires to do so. David calls doing this a ‘delight.’ As we do that we are like trees firmly rooted. What we do will prosper and we will be like fruitful trees. This prosperity is fruit ‘in its season’ and not necessarily immediately. But it will come around as surely as apples in springtime. What the godly person does will be influenced and controlled by the Law of God.
Firm roots make it difficult to walk off the righteous path. Christ delights in feeling ourselves take root in Him and growing down into the clean, rich soil of His righteousness. The Lord Jesus isn’t concerned if we own the title of oldest or biggest. He wants us to be the deepest.
Ken
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