“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord. . . . For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters . . . neither shall [he] cease from yielding fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
The Bible often speaks of palm trees. For instance, in Exodus 15:27 we read that when the Israelites were thirsty and weary in the desert “they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten [70] palm trees” where they enjoyed a good rest. Another occasion is found in John 12:12-13, telling of “much people . . . when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet Him.”
Palms grow throughout the tropics and other places where there is abundant sunshine. Varieties include cabbage palms, sagos, palmettos and the well-known date and coconut palms. An oasis of palms around a well of water is always a welcome sight in the desert. They also add beauty to many ocean islands, leaning over the shoreline. The Creator has so formed them that they stand firm in the strongest winds, fronds (leaves) trailing in the wind and their flexible trunks bending gracefully. Coconuts float and are often carried on ocean waves to distant shores, were they take root and soon add beauty and supply food to yet another spot.
It is easy to see why palm trees are considered one of the Creator’s great gifts to mankind, providing daily food for millions, as well as timber, fuel, boats, dishes and a long list of useful things. Soap and candles are made from coconuts and sugar from the tree’s sap. The fruit of some is dried into starch, used in puddings, and parts of the fronds are made into clothing.
Date palms provide one of the most reliable foods for people in many places. Large groves grow right in the southern United States, their fruit appealing to the appetites of those who like their sweet and nourishing quality. They also often help cookies, bread and cakes, as well as candies, taste so good.
As we speak of the wonderful fruit coming from so many of these palms, we are reminded that we are ourselves told in God’s Word, the Bible, to be “fruitful” in our lives, just as our opening verse states. Another verse in Colossians 1:10 says, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work.” Also, reading from Luke 6:43-44, “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt [bad] fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit.”
What kind of fruit shows itself in your life? When a Christian really wants to please the Lord and be helpful to people around him, the Lord will always help him or her to do so, when such a desire is told to Him in prayer. Do you do this?
FEBRUARY 26, 1995
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?”
Hebrews 2:3
ML-02/26/1995