You Shall Flourish Like The Palm Tree: Tree Series Part 3 of 7

Psalm 92:12-14
12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,

Many different trees are mentioned throughout the Bible, each for different reasons.  Of all the trees that are native to Israel, the palm tree is most unique.  The Holy Spirit, Who authored the Book, has a specific purpose for everything He has included in the Bible.  The fact that He took time to mention palm trees means studying about it will uncover some amazing truths about Jesus as well as what He has bequeathed to us.  Who is "us?"  Why, the sheep of His pasture, that's who!

The waving of palm branches, for one thing, was an honor accorded to Kings and heroes.  But this particular tree has many other things to teach us.  
It is certainly THE MOST VERSATILE of all Israel's indigenous plants. Virtually every part of the tree is utilized to make functional items ranging from rope and baskets to beehives, fishing boats and traditional dwellings.  It's fruit is sweet, tasty and delicious all by itself.  Used in a variety of dishes, beverages and vinegar it is even made into date palm beer.  The palm tree is naturally loaded with vitamins and nutrients and is a good source of quick energy.  The sap is made into date palm wine.

In some cultures a thick syrup is made from the ripe fruits is used as a coating for leather bags and pipes to prevent leaking.  Date seeds are soaked and ground up for animal feed. The oil of the seeds is suitable for use in soap and cosmetics.  Date palm leaves are used for Palm Sunday celebrations.

In North Africa, they are commonly used for making huts.  Mature leaves are also made into mats, screens, baskets and fans.  Processed leaves can be used for insulating boards. Dried leaf petioles are a source of cellulose pulp, used for walking sticks, brooms, fishing floats and fuel.  Leaf sheaths are prized for their scent, and fibre from them is also used for rope, coarse cloth, and large hats. The leaves are also used as lulav in the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles.

There are so very many more uses, but the point is, it is always useful, always fresh and always flourishing, even into old age.

Jesus says that the righteous are like that; You and I are like that!  We will be useful, fresh, flourishing and fruitful, even in old age!  You will also "flourish in the courts of our God."

Jesus, in paying for our salvation, literally allowed every bit of Himself to be used up, sparing nothing.  He became nothing so that we, through Him, could have everything and become what He is:  The righteousness of God in Christ.  

The court of the tabernacle is a picture of what we do in the world where we work. Those that are planted like the palm tree "in the house," will God cause to prosper and flourish in the workplace. His favor will be all over them wherever they go. People just want to be around them and may not even know why.  It's Jesus attracting them!! He makes us to be a blessing wherever we go!

It's no secret that the devil doesn't like this AT ALL!  He wants us to die young and go to heaven quickly so that we can't be of any more earthly good.  But it is God's desire to satisfy us with LONG LIFE so we can be very fruitful, share the sweet wine of God's love, the gift of His Son and make as many people as possible intoxicated with Jesus, drunk on the wine of the Spirit!

Oh, yes; He most definitely wants us to flourish like the palm tree!