“For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” Romans 1:20
In my time here in Southland among the mountains, I have also been privileged to explore some beautiful wee treks into the bush. The forests that grow on the slopes of these mountains are intensely beautiful. They are a combination of ancient beech and podocarp forests (Totara, Rimu and Miro) to alpine species and then vast areas of lush wetland.
As you move into the bush and the trees close in around you, you are transported into a green world speckled with light that dances off the mossy trunks and highlights the ferns and bracken at your feet. There is little movement apart from small creatures that are disturbed by your presence, or the beat of wings as a bird flits to another branch, or the reflex of leaves as dewy water slides off them. There is some bird song high above you, but the only other sound apart from your feet finding purchase on the carpet of leaves, is the dripping left over from the rain that fell during the night. It is a magical place, among these giants, and you can not help but marvel at the forest and the God who created them.
you can not help but marvel at the forest and the God who created them.
When Paul penned those words recorded in Romans 1: 19 -20, he was in essence saying: You are without excuse for believing in God if you’ve been for a walk in the woods. Through nature we are confronted with unmistakable evidence of God’s power and glory”. God loves trees! (Genesis 2:9)
Through nature we are confronted with unmistakable evidence of God’s power and glory
Trees are the most mentioned living thing in the Bible. They are in the first chapter of Genesis (Gen 1:11 -12), they are mentioned in the first Psalm (Psalm 1:3) and on the last page of Revelation (Rev 22:2). They were tasked with keeping humans alive (Gen 1:29) giving them a place to live (Gen 2:8) and providing food (Gen 2:16).
Without trees, the waters of Marah would have remained bitter (Exodus 15:25). David would have missed his call to battle (1 Chron 14:15).
Deborah would have been without a place to judge Israel (Judges 4:5). God wouldn’t have called His people “oaks of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:3)
There would have been no almond grove for Jacob to fall asleep in and dream of his ladder (Genesis 28: 10 – 19), And I’m sure you can see where this is heading, with so many other examples from Scripture that emphasise the importance of trees in God’s creation, His plan and His purpose.
It is important to note also, that the only thing that could harm Jesus, was a tree. (Deut 21:23 and Galatians 3:13) He who is hanged on a tree is cursed.
Trees, like God, give life even after death, without trees there is no resurrection. Trees are felled, milled and made into other things so life goes on changed, transformed, repurposed etc.
Lastly, I just would like to mention that trees are a metaphor for human praise. When Isaiah penned chapter 55, God’s people had been completely disobedient, but God the Father is a God of grace and compassion, and He invites His people into His loving kindness. He is restoring them so that they may glorify Him once again and He is wanting to pour out His blessing on them.
Isaiah 55:12 God commands His people to go out in joy (which is what we have when we understand God’s love and constant grace) and be led forth in peace (which we have from knowing God and allowing Him to guide our steps and our heart) THEN, what happens?
“The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and ALL THE TREES of the field will clap their hands”.
God’s creation rejoices when we are restored. His creation speaks to us of His power and glory but also of His compassion and loving kindness, and it joins with us in giving Him thanksgiving and praise.
Carole