Planted to Flourish and Grow 2

 Psalm 92:12 NKJ  
    ¹² The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,

He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Following the last post, we explained the importance of being planted in the right church for us. This is because a tree planted in good soil parallels the life of believers in Jesus Christ who are planted in the right church for them.The Scripture also says that when we walk in righteousness (right standing with God), we will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Just like palm trees, Cedars of Lebanon also have characteristics worth comparing to the walk of a believer that is planted in the right soil (Church) that God has chosen for him or her.

First, cedars of Lebanon grow to be 80 feet tall and spread out from 30-50 ft. at elevations of 4,264 to 6,888 ft.--like the palm tree that grows very tall, the Lebanon cedar thrives in great heights and spreads wide. In the life of a believer, this is accomplished when we learn to walk guided by the Holy Spirit as we have communion with the Lord by reading His word and seeking His presence through worship. Doing this enables us to hear His voice and not the voice of strangers (John 10:4-5) like the devil and his demonic lies (John 8:44), nor the voice of our unrenewed human spirits and reasoning (Luke 11:34) that could derail us and talk us out of God's will. 

Second, Lebanon cedars grow best in deep soil on slopes facing the sea--When the house (Church) God has chosen for us to attend and be planted is a place that is strong in the word of truth and without religious influence, the Holy Spirit can move freely, there is prayer, and the members learn to be strong prayer warriors at home and not only when they come together to pray corporately, that is a house with good, deep soil that will cause its members to flourish. The sea represents the water of the word of God that washes us clean and sets us free from bondage, heals us, and gives us life (Ezekiel 36:25, 47:6-9).

Next, these trees require a lot of light and about 40 inches of rain a year--our source of light is the Lord Jesus, the Light of the World that as we continue to walk in communion with Him--a strong necessity and requirement by true believers, He said we will not walk in darkness, but will have light which is life (John 8:12). The rain represents the move of the Holy Spirit in our lives that when we choose to follow His leading and not the desires of our flesh, the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians  5:16-26) which are God's own character that He wants to make strong in us will be developed and cause us to walk in higher dimensions (magnitudes) of righteousness and holiness.

Last, cedars of Lebanon have wide-spread horizontal branches--this represents our soaring and strength in our walk with God and our unction (ability) to influence others for God's Kingdom in our jobs, businesses, among new believers, our families, etc., when we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit's leading as we obey His promptings. This way we are making ourselves available for Christ to be shown in us to others. Sometimes we may not have to say a word, but our behavior, our integrity, our loyalty, and submission to authority (as long as what they asks us to do is not contrary to the word of God and our submission to Him in obedience to the word and commands He has given us) will help plant seeds that win others for Christ because His Light in us is shining bright and is noticed by those who walk in darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). More in next week's post.To Him alone be all the glory.