Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Wednesday prior to Epiphany 6

 

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.

 

Collect for  Epiphany 6– O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people that we who justly suffer the consequence of our sin may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[2] -09 February 2022


[1] Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts “Jesus teaches the disciples” copyright © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
[2] Collect for Epiphany 6, Lutheran Service Book © 2006  Concordia Publishing House, St., Louis

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