It breaks ground as a sapling, patiently waiting to stand firm in the wind. It soaks in the suns rays and adores the heavenly showers. The rain effortlessly dances from its highest branch to its base, ultimately quenching the roots thirst. It competes among the forest bottom to stretch high into the heavens. It suffers and flourishes as seasons change.
Its Creator knows the precise coordinates of where its seed settles. Its Creator knows this Tree isn’t going to be like the thousands around it. Its Creator has given it a purpose. He takes special care of it as it sprouts from the earth. His hands firmly presses the soil around it. He speaks to it. ”Oh little one, if you only knew the plans I have for you”. He frequents the location of the Tree to monitor its growth. He sends summer thunderstorms to test its foundation. When the time is right, He anxiously approaches, plucks a piece of fruit from its branch, and absorbs its nourishment. As days turn into months, and months into years, this sapling became the delight of the forest. Sturdy it stands between the heavens and earth. Rooted in one and stretching high into the other.
Although glorious to see in its natural setting, its true destiny awaits. Its Creator looks down from the heavens, whispers, and nods. The day of harvesting arrives. Slowly each axe begins to cut through the surface. Deeper and deeper they slice. The pain and agony experienced slowly comes to an end as this mighty tower plunges to the earth. The soil that once gave it life, now merely supports it in death.
Now silence was heard all throughout the forest. The sun now shines onto the virgin soil below. To a passerby this Tree now became just another obstacle along their journey. But to its Creator, the life of this Tree was just beginning. Unlike most days, today there was a western wind causing this stock to plunder along the narrow way. Quietly, the process of decay begins.
Only two rising suns away from its demise, the day has come. Off in the distance a rumble is heard. As minutes pass, the turbulence increases and now becomes recognizable. A congregation of bodies, some shouting while others in tears, slowly approach this low lying handicap. Then, in an instance, two worlds collide. A delicate man soaked in red, leans over, and quietly states “I’ve been waiting for you, as you have me”. Awkwardly lifting it and throwing it over his shoulder, the procession continues. Now being carried by man, this Tree would soon return the favor.
With similar fates, they approach the hilltop where destiny awaits. As minutes pass, and clouds roll in, they forcibly connect. One already lifeless and the other slowly approaching, their purposes are fulfilled. Both Man and Tree, heaven and earth, became one in that moment. Though tried and tested, living through seasons of blossom and spoil, each one successfully took turns carrying the burden of their world. Feebly born and patiently nurtured, this Man and his Tree were chosen far in advance to give themselves up unto death, only to be gloriously raised into the heavens accomplishing their purpose and satisfying the intentions of their Creator.





Ive been reading John Piper’s magnum opus “Desiring God”. Actually i haven’t been reading it, I’ve been chewing on it. What a book! Im only a quarter of the way through it (partly due to the re-reading of pages) and it has stirred up something within my soul. You know it’s a good book when you cant read it without a dictionary at hand. Oh to get this information inside every “christ followers” head. What a world it would be. Im not going to jump into the full review, but I came across a few quotes that i felt the world should read. Enjoy.
Crazylove by Francis Chan. Have you read it? Experienced it? If you havent done either of these than i encourage you do so. When i found out it was the book we were studying @ Apex this fall, i got ahold of it and plowed through it. I knew it was something i would later post about but didn’t feel the time was right. That time has come. Last night we studied chapter 4, titled “Profile of the Lukewarm”. Francis felt pressed in this chapter to call me out. No one enjoys being called out, ever. Let me explain. The first quote of the chapter reads:
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