Jeremiah
17:5-8 – A contrast of one who does
and does not trust in the Lord. Whom will you trust; trust in God or trust in
humankind? Jeremiah describes a man who trusts in God in terms of a tree.
Compare this with the Psalm for today. (Psalm 1)The person who trusts in God is
like a tree planted, “like a tree planted by water” rooted, grounded, stable,
secure. Jeremiah further explains this planted is provided for “sends out its roots by the stream.”
Roots go to the water for refreshment, renewal, strength. Finally, this tree is
productive, “it does not cease to bear
fruit.”
We are planted “like
a tree planted by water.” Where are you grounded? Is it in yourself and
your own strength or in the LORD? A tree which has a good water supply is going
to grow. So it is with you. The Lord is the source of all you need. That person
who is rooted in God is stable and secure.
The LORD provides. Jeremiah reminds us that the one
who trust in the LORD, like a good tree, “Sends
out its roots by the stream.” The roots provide food for growth. Roots go
to the water for refreshment, renewal, and strength. When roots are fed when
the drought comes; that tree will survive. When hard times come how will you
stand? Your strength comes from the LORD. Only he can provide for what sustains
you.
You are also productive. Now we are in the dead of
winter; a time of dormancy. Yet soon cherry, apple and crab-apple trees will be
in full bloom. Spring will come. A well maintained tree will produce. “It does not cease to bear fruit”
Jeremiah reminds us. So also the heart which is rooted in Christ will bear much
fruit.
The one who trusts in Christ has stability in life;
they have a source of strength, bearing fruit in all circumstances. Christ is
your master gardener. He has promised to tend to your every concern. Resist not
His pruning. He will water and care for you to make you strong in Him. Like a
strong forest, remain ever green in Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment