Look at the beauty of a palm tree. What do you think of when you see a palm tree? I think of warm, sunny days in a tropical climate. In Biblical days the palm was of great significance. In my research, here’s what I found:
The palm tree is an important symbol of victory for Israel after God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Now fast forward to the New Testament and see that the palm branch is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace, and eternal life. Jesus brought forth this triumph over death when he was crucified on the cross.
Today, in many traditional Christian churches, the palm branches are given as a reminder of God’s victory and power.
In Psalm 92: 12-13 we are told that “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.”
Let’s break this verse apart!
- Who are the righteous? Those who are in “right standing” with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
- What does being righteous produce? Righteousness will cause us to flourish like a palm tree.
- What’s the flourishing depth of a palm tree: One commentary said this: “A palm tree is constantly green and flourishing, spreads its branches very wide, and grows to a vast size, affording a most refreshing shade to travelers. It also produces dates, a very sweet, luscious, and grateful kind of fruit; is a most beautiful tree, and every way an invaluable treasure to the inhabitants of those hot countries, and therefore a fit emblem of the flourishing state of a righteous man.”
Why are we, as Christ followers, compared to a palm tree?
We were made to flourish and provide for and bear fruit for others. We have the treasure of God inside of us, the Holy Spirit, to help people to taste and see that the Lord is good.
These are the glorious effects of King Jesus’s reign.
When Jesus marched into Jerusalem as a King on a donkey, the people waved palm branches before Him, signifying victory over sin and death. They were shouting “Hosanna,” which means, “Please save us.”
This victory ride did not seem like triumph and victory, did it? No! What was before Him after that entrance was pain, sorrow, and suffering. He knew what was before Him, but the people did not. They were celebrating saying, “Hosanna” then soon shouted “Crucify Him.
In our circumstances of life that are painful and often include suffering, we can look beyond the present into the future. There is a glorious King awaiting us.
We are still able to flourish like a palm tree providing shade (a covering) for those who may be in a heated mess.
We, as Jesus’ followers, can provide a way out for those who need help.
Remember, the quality of His reign includes being prosperous and enduring.
Palm trees can endure and withstand a lot, even hurricane-force winds.
The strength of Jesus is within us, enabling us to withstand being battered and torn and still able to flourish.
One who is flourishing is prospering, blooming, and thriving.
How long can this last? The Bible says forever. “He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.” Psalm 72: 5
Another vivid metaphor expressive of the significance of the Lord’s anointed goes even deeper with “The righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more.” Psalm 72: 7
Not only are we given strength as a palm tree, but we will flourish continually and forever as we grow in Him.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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