Palm Tree Christians
Today’s Verse:
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. ~Psalm 92:12
This morning, I am looking at a row of tall, stately, and flourishing palm trees that are facing the Pacific Ocean. When I think of palm trees, thoughts of an ideal resting spot and oasis come to my mind. Palm trees can be found near beach-type settings and in desert areas. The Psalmist made a comparison between a saved person living for God and a palm tree. This morning, let us see the Bible’s description of palm tree Christians.
We see the RESOURCE of a palm tree Christian.
“And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters,” Exod. 15:27. The first mention of palm trees is here in Exod. 15. God brought the Israelites to this wonderful oasis where there was an abundance of water and seventy palm trees. Elim was a place of blessing. It was here God showed Himself strong to Israel. The Israelites were very shortsighted in how they originally saw their situation. They murmured against God and Moses, and were bitter in their spirit. When God led them to Elim there was such an abundance of clean and refreshing water for the large number of people. This is a reminder to us that when things look the bleakest, we must be still and have faith in God. David learned by experience that “he leadeth me beside still waters.” Palm tree Christians find that the resources of God more than take care of them in every situation of life.
We see the REST of a palm tree Christian.
“And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment,” Judges 4:5. Deborah the prophetess dwelt under a palm tree. Like Deborah, every Christian needs to establish a personal and private place where they meet with God. It is a place of soul wellness. Christians who lodge under a palm tree are strengthened and healthy. It is a place for soul wisdom. It is a place where wisdom is given for every day decisions. It is a place for soul withstanding. Time under the palm tree is a place where the soul is fortified for the spiritual battles of life. Deborah dwelt under that palm tree. Are you living under a palm tree? Is your life under a covering that does not give rest or resource?
We see the RICHNESS of a palm tree Christian.
“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” Palm trees grow upwards. The Christian life is one that is to grow upwards. Like a palm tree, we should be pointed towards Heaven. Palm trees are deeply rooted. Winds may blow, but the winds don’t break them. The winds of adversity can blow into the life of a palm tree Christian and he does not easily break. Palm tree Christians are predictable in their fruit giving ability. They give a predictable harvest. Palm trees grow upright. Palm tree Christians live consecrated, upright lives. They don’t live in corruption or questionable practices. They have lives that are holy and right before God.
What a powerful comparison for us this morning! The righteous shall flourish as a palm tree. Be faithful like a palm tree. Be fruitful like a palm tree. Be favorable like a palm tree. Get your roots in deep. Make your dwelling under the shade of the palm tree.
Have a flourishing God Morning!