The Tree

  An Allegory  

    It's the deep of winter here in the northeast when all of life turns to black and white. Most days are dreary and spent inside. Where did all the colors go? The flowers, birds, sunshine, picnics and gatherings seem like lost memories buried deep under the frozen ground like graves. Our front doors are like prison gates as the frigid winds lurk just outside like guards keeping us locked in. The tedium and mundane play like a record stuck in a groove, over and over. Newness and creativity seem to ebb and flow depending on our mindsets or energy levels. All of life somehow hangs on to a frayed string of hope that this too shall pass and we will feel warmth and energy again. Where is God?

    I saw him in a tree yesterday. He stood there stripped of all his luscious leaves. The birds had abandoned him and only the woodpecker stayed to chip away at his carcass. Surrounded by frozen ice he sat alone on a bleak hill. I asked him, "Why aren't you showing your glory? We need to see your majesty! You seem to be worn down just like us! Where is your power and might?" As I stood there presuming only silence as a response, I heard him.

    "Oh, child I AM here. Just as I appeared on the cross that gloomy day at Golgotha. Stripped of my luscious purple robe of majesty, the world appeared to have gone black and white. My friends and followers abandoned me and only my enemies stayed to pick at my carcass. Surrounded by frozen hearts I hung alone on that bleak hill. There was no way out and the guards made sure that the nails kept me prisoner. Darkness fell over the land and upon me was heaped the sins of the world. Even my Father had to look away.               I gave you that day at Calvary to remind you that even though the branches are bare and the fig tree produces no fruit, I AM alive in the darkness. Inside this tree that you are staring at is an intricate plan. It may look defeated to you but to me I AM working. Nothing is dead, nothing is out-of-control! The DNA of all living things is conducted by me. I have written the symphony that it will play, the steps it will dance and the songs it will sing. I will unveil the warmth of the sun and push forth blossoms. I will send the honeybees to do their work and the birds will build their nests with no worry. The ants will never tarry, the fox will hunt and the sun and moon will rise and set as I have commanded them. There is not even a stone that sits where I do not tell it to. The snow caps will melt bringing glacial milk to the valleys where your crops will grow and fresh waters will flow. I AM right here my child and there is nothing that can change that"

    As I stood in wonderous awe I could now see that the tree that appeared dead to me was working furiously within its DNA. At a microscopic level God's love and purpose was alive and fierce in its purpose. The epiphany that God is not dead in our darkness blew light into my spirit and life into my soul. "I AM here, he told me. No season, no challenge, no temporary defeat, no depression, no sickness... can extinguish me. I AM the light and life forever more. NEVER FORGET that that dark day at Calvary, when the tree appeared dead was only the gateway to the day of resurrection. You may suffer for a short time but I PROMISE you that after every darkness there will come the day of light. There is no power in heaven or on earth that can keep me from shining my light on you so you can rise from the cold earth and blossom. Don't ever confuse stillness for ineffectiveness for most of my work is done in silence. Never presume me unable or distant. The tomb cloth will soon be removed and I will place the robe of righteousness, my righteousness upon you. Your winter is coming to an end."

1 Peter 5:10, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered for a little while, he himself will restore, support and strengthen you."

    God has put in us, through His Spirit, a DNA that belongs to Him. He is interwoven into you literally. Nothing can separate that. Where ever you are, He is alive and working IN you. The tree that appears dead and lifeless is hard at work inside planning for spring.