Psalm 1 describes the blessed life as a person planted like a tree by the rivers of water, delighting and meditating in the Word of God ... and continues with the thought, “that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Most fruit-bearing trees, during the Autumn/Winter seasons, drop all of their leaves in self-preservation, bracing for a harsh season of coldness. How can my life be one "whose leaf also shall not wither" -- A life that does not fall into decay or decline, that does not cease to flourish? The answer lies with the Olive Tree.
Did you know that Olive Trees are evergreens and do not drop their leaves in the winter? The Olive Tree practices a constant renewal. (They gradually drop their leaves while producing new ones)
This amazing tree is found all throughout Scriptures and holds strong spiritual significance. With the first mention in Genesis 8:11, the olive leaf is a symbol of new life, hope, and peace found in the faithfulness of God.
The Characteristics:
1. Faithful – *There are many trees in the Mediterranean region that are scientifically verified to be as old as 2,000 years. Olive trees are nearly indestructible – They’re tough. Equipped to handle drought, sub-zero temperatures, frost and even fire, olive trees are extraordinarily resilient. Their roots are so strong that they can re-grow even when it seems like they've been totally decimated. (In Tuscany in 1985 a severe frost destroyed many productive and aged olive trees, ruining the livelihoods of many farmers. However, when new shoots appeared in the spring and the dead wood was removed, they soon became new fruit-producing trees!
2. Fruitful– *The olive tree starts bearing fruit at around 5 years of age. A tree in Croatia dated to be 1,600 years old still produces abundant fruit today.
3. Flourishing – Olive trees are generous *Large olive trees produce on average about 400 pounds of olives annually. Older and larger trees can produce even more.
“Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalm 92:1-15
Spiritual Application: It is important where the tree is planted – Let God plant you by a constant source of the Water of His Word! Be a green olive tree in the HOUSE OF GOD -- faithful, fruitful, and flourishing!
Did you know that it is when their fruit is crushed that the OIL (symbolic of the Holy Spirit) is produced? This tree yielded oil is highly valued. The best oil was from olives “beaten” (Deut. 24:20) Exodus 27:20 mentions the oil used in the tabernacle as “pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.”
The Crushing:
1. Sacrifice. The first fruits of oil went to the Priests and the Levites and were included in the sacrifices for the children of Israel. Lev. 9:4 mentions olive oil used for “fellowship offering.” Exodus 24:40 mentions oil offered in sacrifice with the lamb. *Interesting Note: modern-day cardiologists recommend olive oil to greatly lower the risk of heart disease! How symbolic this oil is in every way!
2. Service. Zech. 4:14 and Exodus 30:31 speak of “anointing oil” and Isaiah 61:3 speaks of the “oil of joy” … Oil was often used in anointing God’s men for special tasks to which they were sanctified in service (I Samuel 10:1). Zech 4:11-14 tells of “the two anointed ones” called Olive Trees – literally meaning the sons of oil.
3. Stability. Olive trees took a long time to grow and mature, but they lasted for hundreds of years and could be passed down generation after generation. A good oil supply was a sign of stability and prosperity. (Proverbs 21:20 speaks of the treasure of oil in the dwelling of the wise)
4. Sustenance. Olive oil is a sign of the Lord’s blessing and prosperity throughout the Bible. In Luke 16:6, olive oil is used as income. Oil was used in bread (Ex. 29:2), as fuel for lamps (Ex. 25:6), in aromatic substance, medication (Luke 10:34), and for healing (James 5:14).
5. Seasons. There are SEASONS of fruitfulness; bearing fruit glorifies our Father! (John 15:8)
Psalm 128:1-6 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.
Spiritual Application: May the fruit of our lives bring forth much oil! May our children be as olive plants – growing, thriving, bearing fruit, and making a difference!
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