“The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:12-13
Often we describe the journey of a Christian life as a growth process. We grow from the moment we enter into this new life in Christ, moving towards maturity. But what does this growth process truly entails?
The Psalmist describes the righteous one of God as a palm tree. We are the righteous ones of God when we embrace the righteousness of God in Christ. This righteousness is unmerited, a gift of grace. One of the characteristics of the palm tree is that it has very deep root. It enables it to reach deep into the ground for water in the most arid environment. The deep root also enables the palm tree to stand firm in the face of strong wind and storms. The righteous, just like the palm tree, is characterized as those who have deep resources of life in times of scarcity and great resilience in times of adversity.
How do attain such a state? The Psalmist went on to say that the secret is in its planting. When we are planted or grounded in the presence and worship of the Almighty God, when our lives are rooted in Jesus – hung on every word He says, and everything He is, we shall flourish and become fruitful. Another characteristic of the righteous is that he shall continue in that state of fruitfulness if he continues to walk in the presence of God!
Trees grow. Christians grow. We can grow God’s righteousness because it is progressively appropriated. Part of that growth process certainly involves change, changes that would restore God’s righteous order of life and relationship in areas of our lives where they are out of God’s order. Saints are born overnight in Christ, great saints are grown over time in the presence of God.
You are saints in the making. Blessed All Saints’ Day!