Saturday, February 20, 2010

Like a Cedar of Lebanon

Psalm 92:12-13

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
 planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.




In biblical times cedar trees were plentiful in the Holy Land.
The cedar is mentioned in the Bible over 70 times. In ancient history it was used for building ships and temples. The Egyptians used the resin for mummification (from Wikipedia). Cedar wood was also used in purification rituals in treating infectious diseases (Leviticus 14). 

In modern times cedar wood is desirable over other types of wood.
It's fragrance is well-known and it is a strong and solid hardwood, resistant to rot and decay.
 It is small wonder that we like to store our woolens in cedar chests and closets.
The trees may reach a majestic height of 100 feet or more.

The cedar has many characteristics that we, as Christians, can strive for.
Are we resistant to rot and decay (sin)?
Will our faith endure and withstand the storms of life?
Will others recognize our fragrance?
Are we like a 'cedar of Lebanon, planted in the house of the Lord?'




2 comments:

Michelle Shocklee said...

Love, love, love this! Especially the questions.
Blessings to you!
~Michelle Shocklee

Rita said...

Oh Anita, what a great lesson we can glean from your post today. Thanks for sharing those thoughts with us! I want that fragrance in my life!