"They will be like trees planted by the water" - Jeremiah 17:7-8

I remember as a child I had this awareness of the Father’s love from my relationship with my Grandmother.  She spent many hours with me just being an example for Christ by the way she lived her life.  She wasn’t perfect by any way of reckoning, but she was consistent and that made up the difference for me.  She was as firm as a mighty oak tree with roots that went down deep into the soil, I can say with assurance that she was the one that planted the seeds for the tree (of faith) which has taken root in my life. 

Never underestimate your influence on the younger generation as to the long-term effect you will have for influencing them by how you live your life for Christ, it can have long-lasting results when seeds are planted in the soil of their minds.  Mighty trees come from seeds and then saplings, they aren’t fully developed overnight, oftentimes it may take a lifetime.  But no matter the duration of time for the seed or tree to mature, the effort of planting seeds is never wasted, nor is it forgotten.

I have heard many testimonies of Brothers and Sisters in Christ who were first counseled by parents, grandparents, even neighbors, or others who were Christians who demonstrated the love of the Father to them when they were children.  These are the moments that the Father uses to imprint upon the young mind that there is something greater in life that He has for them, it is also these moments that the Father begins to whisper to the young mind that He is real and is there for them.

Why are we compared to trees in this and other passages?  I believe it is because trees represent growing strength and stability, trees draw nutrients from where they are planted. Tree roots will either go deep into the soil for nutrition or go wide depending upon the soil and location in which it is planted. 

The comparisons to humans and trees regarding growing in faith are striking, as a tree grows it starts out as a seedling.  That seedling takes root and grows into a sapling which reaches out into the soil for nutrition and life.  As the sapling takes root it begins a process of exchange, photosynthesis which converts carbon dioxide and water (something old) into oxygen (something new) through exposure to sunlight.  The young tree becomes beneficial to the environment in which it was planted by producing oxygen, oxygen is the life source to all living creatures.  As the tree matures and grows this cycle of life continues to grow and expand.  

In like manner, the believer grows in the soil of the word of God which is Christ, and as the believer continues to receive the word of God (Christ), he begins to spread roots by fellowshipping and meeting with other believers which water the soil which causes the roots to go down and search for more nutrients in the word of God (Christ).  As the believer shares the Good News of Christ with others, he is offering an exchange (much like the tree) he offers the breath of the spirit (which is like oxygen to the believer) which brings new life to those who hear it.  This isn’t photosynthesis but regeneration, (something new for something old) by exposure to the Son’s light which causes the believer to grow and expand their experience with the Father.

There are so many similarities in nature regarding the spiritual life that it is amazing that the world still hasn’t caught on to it yet.  The bible says the world is blind to these dynamic truths unless the Father reveals it.  (Matthew 16:17)

We are like the trees that produce the fruit that is pleasant to the eye as a resource to those who need it most.  Our leaf will always be green when we are connected to the body of Christ who waters us that we may draw nourishment from the soil which is the word of God (Christ).  Even during dry times in the spirit, we have each other to keep us well watered.

I was drawn to this passage this morning because of the Father’s love for me, Him reminding me how He used to talk with me as a child, always speaking to me about how He loves me.  That was the beginning of my walk with the Father, He still lets me know He loves me daily in my walk with Him.

May you be like a tree that has roots that go down deep into the soil of the Father's love, and may you always be surrounded by rivers of water (fellow believers) who stand with you and keep you watered.  And may your leaves always be green with new life springing up from deep within you.

I pray that this will encourage you and draw you to deeper dialogue with your Heavenly Father.

Be Blessed;

Stephen Barnett