BIBLE TREES, and such a lot of them too! Some green, some in blossom, some with fruit, others withered, one dead, another rooted up. Let us see what we can learn from four of them.
A TREE PLANTED — “A tree planted by the rivers of water” (Psa. 1:3); “Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” Matt. 15: 13. Planting comes first. Before there can be blossom or fruit, it must be planted. Planting is being born again, that work of the Spirit of God in the soul. That is the first thing, to be planted by God. See that you are truly converted, really born of God (John 1:13).
A TREE PRUNED. — “Every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2. That is to make it more fruitful. There are many things about us after we have been converted, which God has to take away from us, by the sharp pruning knife, or cleansing, of His Word. We should be willing to let them go, to give them up, when God tells us. This is the way to be truly happy— “that your joy may be full” (John 15: 11), and fruitful.
A TREE PULLED DOWN— “Hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon.” 1 Kings 5:6. A tree pulled down is not a pretty sight, but this had to be done before it could be raised up and covered with gold in God’s temple. The pulling or cutting down tells of natural pride, vanity, and all the rest that belongs to us as sinners, having to be brought down. Yes, we ourselves brought down, taken out from the world, to be beautified and glorified in Christ. The change when one is crucified, dead and raised up in Christ. Once a proud sinner in the world, made to be a pillar in God’s temple.
A TREE PLUCKED UP — (Jude 12). Because it bore no fruit. It was torn up by the roots, withered and dead, only fit for the fire. Just like the false professor, never planted by God, never born of the Spirit, therefore rooted up (Matt. 15: 13). Beware, dear boys and girls, of this awful doom. Be sure you are trusting in Jesus, and truly converted, not merely professors without life in Christ.
ML 10/22/1967