Moment With The Master
“The Desert Tree”
Categories: Moment With The MasterThus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:5-8)
Here the prophet provides a vivid contrast between two types of character. The picture is two different plants. One is a dwarfed shrub. The other is a full and fruitful tree.
The scrubby plant represents those who trust in man. It is foolish when a man tries to take the place of God: when one’s highest confidence is in human power rather than Divine power. Here one’s heart is turned toward worldly influences rather than Divine ones for a moral compass. This one has departed from Jehovah.
When one walks away from God it is like a shrub in a briny wasteland. Its lack of nourishment is manifested by its stunted growth and fruitlessness. Such is the curse of one who rejects the will of God.
The lush tree represents those who trust in Jehovah. This tree exudes the beauty of moral dignity. It is strong enough to withstand the heat of life’s challenges. This tree is a producer. It bears the fruit which is God’s ultimate aim.
The foundation of this tree is based on its wholehearted trust in God. Its roots are well watered by the word of God. Its hope of the future confidently lies in the hands of Jehovah.
We have a decision to make. We can choose to be planted by the river of God. We do not have to be the desert shrub. And when our days are over our fruit-bearing life will yield forever in the paradise of God.
By George Slover
