The Rings of a Tree

 Continuing a Series on “Living by Faith”
 (Use the link below to read the verses.)
2 Samuel 7:1-29; Hebrews 11:32-34

[Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Each person is commended for living “by faith”. Following these commendations we read, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, continue to live “by faith”.]

  

You’ve probably heard before that the rings of a tree can tell you how old it is. But, did you know that you could also learn the history of a tree’s life? According to International Paper, you can actually learn the following from the rings of a tree:

A tree that’s happy, getting lots of sunshine and rain, will show rings that are relatively broad, and evenly spaced.

A tree’s rings that appear wider on one side than the other may indicate that something pushed against the tree as it was growing. The tree will build “reaction wood” to help support the side that’s leaning.

A fire in the forest can be easily seen by scarring on the tree’s bark. Year by year, the tree will create more and more wood to cover the scar, but it’s there to see in the tree’s history.

Reading this makes me wonder if we as humans, don’t have something similar to “rings of a tree” within us. Something that shows the scars or happiness or stress of life.

 

David experienced all of these starting as an outcast shepherd boy; defeating Goliath; running from Saul; being anointed king of Israel; defeating Israel’s enemies; sleeping with Bathsheba; and then, having her husband killed. David’s life was all over the map, both good and bad. No doubt he had some “interesting” rings.

 

In 2 Samuel 7, there’s an amazing promise to David from the Lord.

 

“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you… ¹⁶ Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”          NIV

 

The Lord had a plan for David’s life. And not only for him, but his children, and his children’s children and their children; eventually crossing over the millennia to Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

 

The Lord also has a plan for you, and for me. One day at a time; one year at a time; one experience at a time; from generation to generation; the “rings of the tree” can be seen. Let us pray like David to our Sovereign Lord.

 

²⁰ What more can I say to you! You know me, your servant. ²¹ It was your will and purpose to do this; you have done all these great things in order to instruct me. ²² How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is none like you; we have always known that you alone are God.          GNT