Friday, February 13, 2004

Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.
(Jeremiah 17.7-8 NRSV)

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The prophet Jeremiah is talking about nourishment in our lesson for the day. He tells us that the person who trusts in man is like a shrub in the desert; he shrivels up and dies. But the person who trusts in God is like a tree planted by the water; he is nourished, refreshed, in continual contact with the source of life and renewal. He doesn't have to fear drought or heat, for he is connected to a never-failing source of sustenance.

The people to whom Jeremiah was speaking could relate to his message. There is very little rainfall in Palestine. It is very hot and dry, so in some areas only small, scrubby bushes survive. These little shrubs seem to serve no purpose at all. They are looked on with disdain. However, every once in a while you will happen upon a tree in that generally barren land, a tall tree, a leafy tree an oak, an almond, an olive, or a fig tree and you would know that somewhere close-by there is life-giving water.

The difference between a shrub and a tree, says Jeremiah, is nourishment. Where does the person of faith find nourishment? The answer is in God's word.

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Lord Jesus, move me to know God's word well, so that I will be properly nourished spiritually. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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