The role of trees in the Bible – Day 9
The cedar tree (Part 2) — grow upwards, outwards and downwards
Um(Imi)bhalo weBhayibheli
UHezekeli 31
Yesterday we spoke a bit about the value of the cedar tree. In today’s passage there are three things worth noting about the way the cedar tree grows.
They grow downward. Cedars send their taproots deep, seeking hidden springs and wrapping around rocks for anchorage. According to Numbers 24:6, Israel itself is strong and happy like cedar trees beside the waters. Paul urged the Ephesians to be rooted and grounded in love and in Colossians 2:6-7 we read: “As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith.”
They grow upward. Cedar trees have been known to reach heights of over 40 metres! As Christians, we walk on the earth, but our heads should be above the clouds, focused on Christ. As the American poet and novelist J.G. Holland once said, “God, give us men, tall, sun-crowned, who live above the fog.”
Cedars grow outward. The branches of the cedar tree grow out horizontally and become very wide-spreading. Stretching out as they do, these branches provide shade and shelter from the elements. Should not our lives also reach out like branches to touch the needs of others?
