Lent 1 was Reflection, Lent 2 is Rooted. I went out last week and took the March photo for My Tree. TBH, the tree doesn't look that much different from the January and February photos. But you can see the crops in the field are lusher and greener than they were a few weeks back. I started thuinking about trees, and their impact on the environment.
They help make the air cleaner, taking in bad gases [CO2 etc] and breathing out fresh Oxygen
They provide shelter for many animals, places to live, eat and raise families
They shade the earth and keep it cool
They help prevent flooding, and their roots hold the soil in place
They help reduce climate change
They have a big impact on us all
They shade the earth and keep it cool
They help prevent flooding, and their roots hold the soil in place
They help reduce climate change
They have a big impact on us all
Trees are mentioned an awful lot in the Bible - beginning with the Trees in Genesis - the Tree of Life and The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil - and ending in Revelation with the Tree of Life, again - whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. And "the tree" is frequently used as a description of the Cross of Jesus. Here are just a few examples...
- The cedars of Lebanon, beautiful and strong, used for building Solomon's Temple
- The oaks of Mamre, at the placed where Abraham met with three angels - sturdy and established
- The fig tree where Nathanael encountered Jesus
- The olive tree, a sign to Noah that the flood waters were receding, and its oil used for anointing, it is a symbol of peace
- The palm tree, representing success and triumph. its branches waved as Jesus entered in Jerusalem
- The almond tree, representing God's watchfulness over his people, and also resurrection, new life and growth.
If my life is to have any sort of positive impact on others, I need to have strong roots, faith is not a superficial thing. I need to be willing to 'hold out the olive branch' working for peace and reconciliation. [we so need to see 'the healing of the nations' right now]
Like the oaks and the cedars I need to be both attractive/winsome, and firmly established in my beliefs.
Like the oaks and the cedars I need to be both attractive/winsome, and firmly established in my beliefs.
I must speak out the gospel, offering new life and hope.
Like the properties of trees mentioned earlier - do I help make the world a 'purer' place, by fighting against evil?
Do I offer shelter and comfort to those who need it ?
If I am secure in my faith, am I able to offer help and strength to those who are struggling?
Paul says to his friends in Ephesus " I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts
through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love," A good aim, I think
We do need to BE different, as on the whole members of the Christian faith don't LOOK different; we don't mark ourselves out by clothing or visible symbols in our dress. So we need to be REMARKABLE by our actions, by our whole lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kirsten, so very true
DeleteWe were surprised to see that our climbing hydrangea is beginning to look green especially in the low temperatures we have had. I like your tree photos and look forward to seeing each month’s photo. Catriona
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DeleteI would say that you are well rooted in your faith, Angela. :)
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DeleteTrees also need boundaries to thrive, as is shown by the one you have chosen, which is growing particularly strongly, with a beautiful crown. When we strive to keep away the brambles and invasive plants of worldly values from entering into our hearts and minds, we can grow stronger in the Lord, with His grace.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautifully put!
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