The righteous will flourish like a
palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the
Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit
in old age, they will stay fresh and green, (Psalm 92:12-14)
Besides drink, food and shade, palm
trees provide material needed for housing, thatching, hats, baskets, furniture,
mats, cordage, clothing, charcoal, brooms, fans, ornaments, musical
instruments, shampoo, containers, implements and oil for fuel, light,
ointments, soap and more.Perhaps this is what the psalmist had in mind when he
said that the righteous will flourish like a palm tree. He was looking at the
abundant fruitfullness that they can have.
And then he compares their growth to
that of a cedar. The flag of Lebanon features a cedar in green which is a
reference to the famous cedars of Lebanon, renowned throughout the region. The
Lebanon Cedar is an evergreen coniferous tree growing up to 40 m (130 ft) tall.
To put it concisely, "The spiritual growth of a believer has no limits and
can reach heights greater than the cedars of Lebanon."
The psalmist then tells us that, for
this to happen, the believer has to be planted in the house of the Lord,
because all the nourishment for his/her spiritual life comes from him/her being
in the presence of the Lord. And when that is taken care of, they start
flourishing. Age wouldn't be a factor for them to stop being fruitful. He says
that they will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.
Are you planted in the house of the
Lord? No, it doesn't mean attending church, but being firmly rooted in the Word
of God. If you are, your growth and fruitfulness are guaranteed.
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