HOSEA 14:8: “O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.” NLT

OBSERVATION: Trees are a very important part of our lives. Trees add beauty to our lives and create the very oxygen that we breathe. Trees provide many of the fruits and nuts that are part of a good diet. Trees also provide necessary habitats for countless species of wildlife.

The Biblical record begins with a tree, man’s redemption was purchased on a tree, and the provision for all eternity ends with a tree!

THE TREE OF BEGINNING…

“The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil… The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” (Genesis 2:9, 15-17 NLT)

THE TREE OF REDEMPTION…

“But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:13-14 NLT)

THE TREE OF LIFE…

“Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.” (Revelation 22:1-3 NLT)

God’s provision for mankind is filled with trees! It is a wonderful reminder that, as the prophet Hosea writes of the Lord, “…I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.” All of our provision is from the Lord. Without Him we can do nothing. Without Him we can bear no fruit. Without Him our lives are but temporary vapors that pass away.

Yet, at His tree, the tree of Calvary, we meet the provision that bridges God’s creative purpose with God’s eternal purpose. It is at this tree that we find salvation through Jesus Christ and eternal provision for life in Him!

It gives you a different perspective on trees, doesn’t it? Each tree is a reminder of God’s love, mercy, grace, salvation, and provision. Each tree points to our Creator, celebrates our Redeemer, and crowns our Eternal King! God truly is like a tree that is always green, whose fruit meets all of our needs!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Tree of Calvary that leads me to the Tree of Life! Without Jesus, I would have no access to this tree. Yet, in Christ I will enjoy a life of fruitfulness for all eternity. Help me to stop, look, and celebrate the beautiful trees that point me to You!

In Jesus’ Name!