The Color Green

The righteous are like the palm tree, erect, stately, unchanged by seasons or nature's whims. Listen to this poetic description given by a theologian no less, Dr. Thompson,"The palm grows slowly, but steadily, from century to century, uninfluenced by those alternations of the seasons which affect other trees. It does not rejoice overmuch in winter's copious rain, nor does it droop under the drought and the burning sun of summer. Neither heavy weights which people place upon its head, nor the importunate urgency of the wind, can sway it aside from perfect uprightness. There it stands, looking calmly down upon the world below, and patiently yielding its large clusters of golden fruit from generation to generation." Like the righteous, they 'bring forth fruit in old age'' (Psalm 92:12).

It was typical of the Biblical period to plant these trees in courtyards of homes, king palaces, and even the Holy Temple. Just as the palm grew in the midst of this protected shade, so do the righteous. The righteous grow in the center of God's presence as they rest under the wings of the Most High God (Psalm 91). As the righteous dwell in the presence of Adonai, he grows like a cedar in Lebanon (Isaiah 2:13). Lebanon cedars typically stood on a platform over 6,000 feet above the Mediterranean Sea. Similarly, a true person of integrity stands above the fray of the masses.

These trees tend to live for over a thousand years.  these old hoary heads surround the much younger trees although they are few in number. Under a canopy of their lush leaves, an almost holy silence can be felt. Interestingly, young trees spring forth not only from the old ones' roots but also from the seeds of their ripened cones. These cedars seem to leap from the earth. This imagery matches the mentoring legacy of the righteous who through their very life-blood infuse energy and nutrients into the souls of young leaders. These pioneers and teachers pour their knowledge and wisdom into young pioneers.

From these trees came the wood that furnished Solomon's Temple and thousands of homes. Even though it was planted on a lofty terrace, its wood was used for both holy and common purposes. So, the lives of the righteous; those who yield to the hand of the Master Carpenter, Y'shua, allow him to shape their lives into something holy for G-d's glory. Y'shua removes pride from these trees of righteousness, many times taking them from lofty positions to break them and carve their lives into something more useful and beneficial. He usesthem as serving bowls and implements to pour His grace into the lives of common people. Their lives become the simple utensils of spooning life-giving substance to souls; the basins where dusty-with-life feet are washed.

Every bit of the tree is useful:"The fruit of the palm-tree makes a great part of the diet of the people of Arabia, part of Persia, and Upper Egypt. The stones are ground down for the camels; the leaves are made into baskets; the hard boughs, or rather strong leaves, some being six or eight feet in length, make fences; the juice makes arrack, the threads of the web-like integument between the leaves make ropes, and the rigging of small vessels; and the wood serves for slighter buildings and fire-wood. In short, the palm or date tree, and the olive, are two of the most excellent and useful productions of the forest or the field" (Maundrell).

The lives of the righteous continue for generations. These trees are known to split into two and three parts, but continue to grow. So, the righteous and their offspring. The cedar gives us the idea of majesty, endurance, and stability. The righteous is compared to this green tree which gives off a strong  smell, and a fruit that resembles an apple, but sweeter. It causes others to desire to grow to its height as it looks down from its lofty perch.  The cedar achieves its height despite crippling weather conditions; it reaches to the heavens towards its Maker. Like the righteous who grow into the head which is Christ, despite whatever circumstances, they achieve maturity (Ephesians 4).

 No matter the adversity, the righteous thrive like the cedar who submits to the mountain's snow and cold, to blast of the winds fury, unprotected, it braces itself against nature's onslaught. They are resplendent in green, full of sap, and luxurious clothed in sheaves. Y'Shua issues a warning to the barren tree: the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (Matt 23:13). But, such an end is not the destination of the righteous. Staying Green, MJ