THE LORD SPOKE (November 19)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Ezekiel 31-32

Let it be clearly understood - this chapter is not about vegetation. The opening verses of Ezekiel 31 indicate that it is directed to Pharaoh, king of Egypt. But the metaphor of a beautiful tree in the forest does remind us of the beauty of God’s creation. Bible-believers have the greatest of all motivations to be environmentalists. Not the “hug-a-tree” kind, but biblical environmentalists. On the opening pages of Genesis, God gave man the responsibility to “tend the garden”, to use (not abuse) the creation of His hand which was made, in part, for man’s enjoyment. After the flood (Gen. 9:1-3), every living thing was given to man for his needs and enjoyment. We have been commissioned to take care of the earth and its fullness.

Back to Ezekiel 31, the prophet compares Egypt to the once mighty Assyria. In doing so, he uses the cedar of Lebanon as a metaphor. The reader is invited to consider that loftiest of all trees. Cedar is considered one of the choicest of woods because of its fragrance and durability. The cedar of Lebanon is often used in Scripture as a picture of majesty (vs. 2b) and beauty (vs. 7). Because it grew so tall it over-shadowed the other trees of the forest (vs. 3,5). The strong branches spread wide (vs. 5,7) and gave shelter for many birds and wild animals (vs. 6). Though filled with every imaginable beauty, the Garden of Eden could offer nothing better than the magnificent cedar tree (vs. 9).

Long ago, Joyce Kilmer wrote:

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

and Henry Ward Beecher (Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit, 1870) contributed:

Of all man's works of art, a cathedral is the greatest.
But a vast and majestic tree is greater than all that.

Walking in the woods, admiring mountain grandeur, smelling the trees and resting in their protection, listening to the babbling brook - it doesn’t take one very long in that cathedral to recognize the mighty hand of the Creator. He has said that the heavens portray His craft and power (Ps. 19:1; Rom. 1:19-20). They draw us to Him and demonstrate that He exists and is sovereign over all.

And He has given it to us to enjoy and care for. How are we doing? How are you doing personally? Whenever you clean up, pick up, trim up, rake up, till up, or plow up - you are pleasing your Creator. When you seed, sow, set out, spray and then you conserve, cultivate, compost, and cover - you are doing His will. When you plant, propagate, pollinate and then feed and fertilize, manage and mulch and in other ways enrich the soil - you are fulfilling His purpose for you. Makes you want to get outside and do something, doesn’t it?


Psalms 127-128

He grants sleep to those he loves. (Ps. 127:2b)

Sleep is a daily reminder of our frailty. Physical tiredness often results in low resistance to both sin and sickness. It is of utmost importance that each individual should determine his own optimal amount of sleep and then get into the habit of maintaining that level as closely as possible. It’s equally bad both to sleep more than needed and to sleep less than needed on a regular basis. Consistency and balance are very important in this matter. Anything less will inevitably result in sickness - either physical or spiritual or, most likely, both. Take a look at Proverbs 6:1-11. You’ll find there two times when it’s wrong to sleep: (1) when you have an unresolved conflict (vs 4), and (2) when you should be getting your work done (vs 9). Back-up for that can be found in Proverbs 10:5, 20:13, and 24:33-34.

Sleep is a daily gift from God. God gives us sleep. It’s given every day - to restore our strength, to refresh our mind, and to repair our body. It is a time that allows us peace even in the midst of turmoil. David said, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.” (Ps. 3:5-6). You might be saying, “Oh, but you don’t know the problems I’m facing. I just can’t sleep.” Oh, really? Your problems are greater than David faced? It’s doubtful that you’ve ever had to face anything greater than David did but maybe the problems are of your own making. Wise Solomon tells us, “Preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Prov. 3:21-24).

Sleep is a daily opportunity to examine our hearts before God. Just before falling asleep is the perfect time for a short review of the day. It may be a good time to start a plan for tomorrow. It certainly is an excellent time to speak to God.

I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8