Like a Tree

 

Like a Tree

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 1:3

How does the Scripture describe that soul which is united to Christ in faith and love? We find it in our text today. ‘And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ Here is an abundance of blessedness. Let us, for the next few moments, take stock of exactly what that blessedness entails. Christ has planted that person, and that is the beginning of his blessedness. He has not planted himself, but is the beneficiary of the largesse of God. Moreover, Christ has planted him in the exact location where he will receive the constant supply which will guarantee his prosperity and productivity.  It is by the ‘rivers of water,’ that He dwells.  This location, along with the care of the Planter, guarantees both faithfulness and usefulness. He ‘shall bring forth his fruit in his season.’ That fruit is for the benefit of others who will prosper by the eating of it. Even in adverse circumstances, ‘his leaf also shall not wither,’ for the same Christ who planted, shall also sustain. Beyond that, this ‘soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,’ shall succeed in every way that matters to God. ‘Whatsoever he does shall prosper.’ This is not success necessarily in the eyes and estimation of man, but success in the eyes of God. This gives us great encouragement today. We are who we are, what we are, and where we are by the Will of Our Eternal Sovereign God. ‘He performs the thing that is appointed for me and many such things are with Him.’  In Christ, we are both secure and prosperous in every way that matters.

Our most Gracious and Loving God,
We praise You for Your wondrous work,
that You have so planted us beside the rivers,
that You have prospered us thus far,
that you have made our souls secure, 
and that You will never leave us nor forsake us.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning