In my porch time this week, I read the above Scripture, and as I meditated on it and sat still to LISTEN, I had to paint this picture. In Judaism, the olive is very symbolic. These are just a few interesting facts:
- The olive tree is symbolic of peace. After the flood, a dove brought an olive branch to Noah to show that the waters had begun to recede. (Genesis 8:11)
- Olive oil was used to light the eternal flame in the Tabernacle and also to anoint it, along with all of the ritual items and the priests. (Exodus 27-30)
- The olive tree was listed as part of the "good land" the Israelites would be given. The good land (Exodus 8:8) was a "land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey."
- Olive oil is used to light menorahs (the seven-branched candelabra) and is symbol of "the Light of the World".
- Olive trees bloom in spring and bear fruit around the time of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)
- The trees can survive and thrive in poor soil, and can live 1,000 years or more.
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| Olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel (2013) |
As I read these facts, I understood why Hashem had impressed this verse on my heart. I realized that, like the Psalmist, He has made me very much like an olive tree because:
- Hashem has given me such glorious peace. I am so enamored with peace and seek it above everything, both in my heart and in my home. I especially love the peace I feel when I sit on my porch and spend time alone with Him.
- Like the olive oil, I am a light to the world because the Light of the World lives in me.
- Just as Israel was given the "good land" and "good fruit", I have been given a good life through His grace and through obedience to His Truth. I am good fruit because He lives in me, speaks to me, works in me, and moves through me, His servant.
- Just as the olive tree lives and bears fruit even though very old, I am bearing fruit in my old age. My desire is to live even longer and bear much more fruit for His Kingdom.
- Like the olive tree, I was planted in rocky soil. I've survived many storms and hardships, but am still alive, thriving, and bearing fruit for His glory.
- All of this is true because I trust in Him and His grace. Great trials have made me strong and have taught me truths about Hashem that no one can take from me. I give Him all the glory and praise. What a blessing to be a part of His family, and to call Him my Father.
We have many olive tree art pieces in our synagogue as a reminder of this blessing from Hashem. This is one of my favorites.
One of my favorite places in Israel was the Garden of Gethsemane, which is an olive grove on a hill across from the Eastern Gate of the Old City. The photo above is from the Mount of Olives, and you can read about my visit and see more photos HERE.
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Beautiful post filled with wisdom and great reminders. Things to think on. Be Blessed this week!
ReplyDeleteMisty
Thank you for your sweet words, Misty.
DeleteBlessings to you also,
GG