A Lesson in Spiritual Botany

Scripture:
Psalm 92:12–15 — “The Righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green, To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”
 
Observation:
It’s late July and we swelter in the summer heat and humidity. We drink beverages and wonder what it’s going to take to actually keep our lawns green. I’ve noticed that’s a big part of our conversations… the lawn and the landscaping. We desire beauty. We want growth.

God compares the growth of our lives to that of a palm tree and cedar tree in Lebanon. The palm tree symbolizes beauty and fruitfulness while the cedar is an emblem of strength and permanence. The reason for the growth of the godly is that they are planted in the house of the Lord and flourish in the courts of God.
 
Application:
Sometimes I feel like lettuce that’s been left out in the sun too long. I’m dry and wilted and done, and no good to anyone. This passage is the antidote. It’s the answer. Age, Psalm 92 says, does not impair the fruit-bearing capabilities of the palm tree or cedar. They continue to pulsate with life (the sap) and their testimony remains evergreen! I must always keep my growth and connection to God front and center. As I grow older, I can grow as a testimony to God. As I draw sustenance from Him, my life will bless others.
 
Prayer:
God, thanks for this great lesson in spiritual botany. Let it not escape my attention nor the practice of my life!

— Robert Green, small groups pastor, Reservoir campus