September 6 - Timber!

 Read today’s texts first: Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Like a tree, our health and productivity is dependent
on where and how deep we extend our roots. 

Ezekiel has the most to say about Israel’s arch enemy, Egypt.  Four chapters are devoted to bringing down this undisputed world power.  The analogy Zeke uses is a cedar of Lebanon, which he first applies to Assyria and then to Egypt.  I was intrigued by the tree illustration because I always thought a strong tree by deep springs was a good thing, not an example of pride poised for a fall.

The problem with the cedar in this analogy was its flashy foliage, beautiful branches and lofty attitude.  This tree was more concerned about how high it towered over other trees than how deep its roots were. Comparison is the theme of this story, found in the introduction (31:2), middle (5-6), and the conclusion (8-9).  Note the descriptors: “who can be compared”, “overshadowing”, “towered higher”, “rival”, “equal”, “compare”, “match” and “envy”.

This towering tree is an illustration of pride and Egypt was about to discover what Assyria had already learned – pride precedes destruction.  The application for me and all of us is simple: a tree remains healthy when it develops deep roots and stays connected to its source of nutrients and life-giving water.  The height of its trunk, the reach of its branches and the abundance of its fruit is incidental, the natural result of an unobstructed root system.

“Lord, You are my source.  Help me identify any infestation of pride in my life that might undermine my relationship with You.”