The Speaking Trees

The “Methuselah” bristlecone pine tree is believed to be nearly 5,000 years old, earning the nickname Methuselah. This hardy tree thrives in harsh wilderness conditions where little else survives. It is found in the remote mountainous region in eastern California. Bristlecone wood is very dense and resinous, and thus resistant to invasion by insects, fungi and other potential pests. It is one of the gnarliest, severely twisted, and ghostly-looking trees. Perhaps that’s another reason why this tree has survived so long.

Any sensible woodcutter would just leave it in the woods. It's superabundant knots and crotches would break or blunt even the best tools. Moreover, any experienced woodworker would always choose wood with the least blemishes since the imperfections compromise the structural integrity of the timber, and the knots are hard to paint over. And if used as firewood, splitting and stacking the pieces would be another nightmare. You wouldn’t want to wrestle to fit the pieces in the stove. In plantations, climbers ascend trees and handsaw off the branches. This helps the trees to grow straight and with the least imperfections. Clear pruning creates clear timber, free of knots.

This helps us to understand Psalm 1:3 better which speaks of the person who is like a tree “planted” by the rivers of water. They do not conform to this world. Instead, they delight in and meditate on the law of the LORD day and night. So, their leaves never wither, and they produce fruit in due season for the LORD of the harvest.

Furthermore, Paul writes in 1 Cor. 3:9, “You are God’s garden under cultivation” [AMP]. Think of the trees used extensively in Solomon’s temple. The wall panels, the beams and rafters, the doors, the altar, the furniture, the carts, etc., were of the finest wood of Lebanon. They were all made with the choicest timber that was free of knots. In the inner sanctuary, walls had intricately carved cherubim in olive wood. Note that olive trees are also hardy, and the oldest living specimen is about 2000 years old! They bear useful fruit even in old age, and in their death, they still speak figuratively from the walls.

Also, we read about the wood offering (Neh. 10:34; 13:31), without which no sacrifice is possible. The priests had to ensure that the fire on the altar never went out. Nevertheless, consider this: would God accept any ugly, resinous, gnarly firewood that others have rejected? By the grace of God, let’s offer the final remnants of our days to God in His service.

Aging is quite different in trees than in humans; however, these ‘grandpa trees’ have many valuable lessons and stories to share. Physical changes and loss of health can cause us to experience irritability, sadness, and anxiety. We hear of ageing gracefully and learning holistic tips that boost our longevity, including optimism, forgiveness, humour, curiosity, and gratitude. But that’s like the tree swallowing the stubs of dead branches, which lead to the dead knots.

Let’s heed to Christ’s words here, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” We need to take all our cares to Him in prayer.

C.H. Spurgeon wrote, “We are not to fear old age. We are to grow graciously since the LORD Himself is with us in the fullness of grace.” Therefore, growing old graciously is not a weakness. Rather, it is about being kind, courteous, pleasant, polite, civil, well-mannered, tactful, benevolent, diplomatic, considerate, thoughtful and friendly.

This can happen only if we allow the Husbandman to prune us with the Word of God; “It is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. (Heb 4:12)

King Nebuchadnezzar saw a dream about himself as a great and mighty tree with lovely leaves and abundant fruit as food for all. Beasts rested in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. However, it was chopped down and destroyed with only its stump and roots left tethered to the ground. It was a picture of his rise, fall, and restoration by God. Nevertheless, the king ignored God’s warning against pride and Daniel’s advice for repentance in thought and deed. When Nebuchadnezzar boasted about his power and majesty, God struck him with a strange mental disorder; he remained in that condition till he humbled himself and gave praise to God.

I do not doubt that his best human counselor Daniel prayed all along for his restoration and God’s glory. Since situations like this have a spiritual root cause and need a spiritual answer, we need to sympathetically warn and pray for ourselves and others.

God says, “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb; even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you”. (Is. 46:3, 4). He may use His word directly or other agents to prune us. “Iron sharpens iron, and friends keep each other sharp”. (Pro 27:17)

Anxiety, worry, depression, frustration, pride, arrogance etc., bring harshness and a critical spirit in the long run. Hardiness is essential, but harshness is to be avoided. God’s word and good company will help us offer every part of our being as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

Let us be transformed by the renewing of our mind and say with the Psalmist, “But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the faithfulness of God forever and ever.” (Ps. 52:8 [NASB])

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