Shema “Tree of Life” Living Series #4

A Cedar Tree of Life

The godly grow…high like a cedar in Lebanon. (Psalm 92:12) 

Mentioned in the same verse featured in presenting the Palm Tree of Life, the psalmist also mentions the cedar tree. Personally, my history with cedar trees is they make me think of Christmas. Yes, though having needed to primarily use artificial Christmas trees the allure of the look and smell of the cedar is a great sight and memory to the senses during the Christmas season.

Of course, for the psalmist and for the region during biblical times the cedar tree did not have these same kind of connotations. However, the cedar tree had a significant place in the landscape of Isael and the surrounding nations for other reasons, primarily building construction.

Though the psalmist in Psalm 92 mentions how the wicked person will have a brief moment to spring up and influence, at the same time, it would not be longstanding…When the wicked sprout up like grass, and all the evildoers glisten, it is so that they may be annihilated. (v. 7) Their future reality stands in stark contrast to the LORD God who is everlasting in His life and impact. But you, O LORD, reign forever! (v. 8) Additionally, this enduring forever quality, illustrates the godly person’s ongoing spiritual life effect, as he or she represents the God who they love and follow.

This enduring, persevering, eternal principle  is illustrated in the palm and cedar trees mentioned in verse 12. Regarding the cedar tree, the Amplified Bible expands the meaning of ‘high’ mentioned in the NET. The text reads, they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. These further descriptors of majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible definitely describe, with greater detail and underscored emphasis, that the cedar tree grows to a great height, marvelous to behold, and durable as it  develops.

Concerning size, in David’s day, the cedar tree could grow to 80 to 100 feet tall. The most prominent of these trees grew in Lebanon. Depending on the Bible translation one uses the phrase, “cedar(s) of Lebanon” is mentioned from seven to ten times. In that region, as most grew on the sides of mountains, could develop a girth size of 30 to 40 feet at the base of the tree. Clearly, the Amplified Bible’s addition of the term “majestic” is a perfect addition to properly conceptualize the tree. I would also add how marvelous and beautiful the sight of the trees in their splendor of height and deep green hue would have contributed to the scenery amidst such a rugged, hilly terrain where they heavily populated the region.

A second descriptor of the cedar tree is their odor…their strong aroma is definite and distinct. Today, the evergreen’s scent can be too strong for some and pleasant to others. As the cedar’s beauty is not only in its towering majesty out in the open world it also had a color and scent once cut that is unique and noticeable. The cedar, given from Hiram, the King of Tyre, to David-Solomon framed  the first Jewish Temple. The wood was a high grade for building construction in those days and in that region of the world. The cedar’s wood would not only be durable but provide protection. The strong aroma of the wood was known to be a deterrent to various insects, like termites, and so intruders would be less likely come and quietly eat away and deteriorate a building’s framework.

A third and final important understanding and description of the cedar tree, as hinted to this point, is this tree was not a fruit bearing tree that was known for what it would produce on its branches. No, the cedar tree’s value was the tree itself. The wood it provided was what the sought after commodity…not a grape or fig or date…but the cedar wood was the “fruit.” The cedar, as it were, would give up its existence to bring benefit to others.

From these qualities of the cedar tree we gain much insight as a follower of Christ of what it means to be a Cedar Tree of Life. To express our cedar tree existence unto the Lord we should first, live a life of great spiritual character and beauty to the Lord and before others. As Christ, we should live large, a life that magnifies His person and attracts others to His majesty and salvation. People wanted to be around Jesus. To be a Cedar Tree of Life is to live so big God is manifested as an attractive option for life and love.

Secondly, we should give off a distinct odor…that is, an attractive perfume before the people our Lord has strategically placed us among. As Paul writes, For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing… (2 Corinthians 2:15) As we live out following Christ to some His aroma will be attractive and chosen. Yet, for others the same aroma will be an offensive whiff that will be avoided. Yes, the smell of Christ we transmit is the same, but the hearts of people will vary to fragrance and life of Chris

Thus, we can now more fully understand and recognize some of the purpose of the cedar’s scent to keep away potentially dangerous invaders. Thus, too, our Christ-like aroma can become an attractive perfume to some but, at the same time, a horrible odor to others so evil and wickedness is deterred.

Third, to be a Cedar Tree of Life, is to deny self and take up a cross. (Luke 9:23) As the natural cedar tree provides its very existence and life to a purpose, we too, as disciples of the Lord Jesus are to lay down and give our lives for His purpose and glory. Oh, the expense and cost to be a Cedar Tree of Life.

Our Father, to be a Cedar Tree of Life is a serious and meaningful expression of one’s love and loyalty to You and Your world. You are the Cedar Tree of Life Source. Thus, we ask for the following: We ask to be empowered by Your Holy Spirit to extend Your majesty and beauty to others. We ask for Your grace to execute to Your glory an attractive aroma that we hopefully and wonderfully  draw others to You but we understood some will receive our fragrance of You as an unattractable life choice to adjust and receive. We ask for Your Life so we can die to self and live out the surrendered life that extends the cross as the highway to abundant and resurrection life. Thanks for hearing our prayer so we will know the receiving of Your Life and Love. In Jesus. Amen.