Truth in Common: Trees

This is the first entry in what I hope will be a series called "Truth in Common." The idea of this series is that I'm beginning to see the truth of God in almost everything I see. The Bible says "...let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." If I can use common everyday things to point you and me to God, we will perhaps have a better shot at "love and good deeds." Call it my own version of a WWJD bracelet - I'm going to try it.

Trees

Trees make me think of worship.

A tree points up to its source of life. A tree looks like it is reaching up toward the sun. Its arms stretch toward the sky as if to say, "Sun, thank you for warmth and light." Trees that are alive and full of leaves are vibrant, beautiful things. They almost seem to whisper, like they have something in their heart that they can't put into words so they just whisper, "thank you, thank you, thank you."

A tree sinks its roots into the ground so it can be fed. When I sink roots into God's word, worship springs up spontaneously. When a tree's roots are too shallow, the tree can be blown over by harsh winds. By contrast, I've seen trees that are deeply rooted bent over by hurricanes only to stand up tall again when the storm passes. Sometimes our worship is at its best when we find ourselves standing up tall after a storm.

Jesus hung on a cross that was made from a tree. In fact, in some of our songs we sing of Him "hanging on a tree." His death and resurrection are the focal point of human history and so are easily at the center of our worship. And really worship is worth-ship and Revelation 5:11 says, "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

So maybe when you see a tree, especially one that is full of leaves and seems to stretch out to embrace the warmth of the sun, you will think of worship and the One who is worthy.

Does a tree make you think of worship? Does it make you think of other bits of truth? I'm interested in your comments. Also, feel free to give me some ideas of items to explore in the future in Truth in Common.