MARCH 13
Psalm 52:8, “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.”
The superscription relates this psalm to a horrific episode in David’s life, when Doeg had betrayed and executed the priests of Nob who had helped David. Not only did Doeg kill eighty-five priests, he killed all the men, women, and children of Nob also (1 Samuel 22:17-23). Doeg then serves as a symbol of all evildoers, who will be brought low in judgment; whereas David represents the righteous, who will be exalted.
The wicked and the righteous are both likened to a tree in this psalm. The values of the wicked are completely distorted, being proud, destructive, deceitful, and devious, and loving evil rather than good. Likened to a tree, the future of the wicked is to be brought down and uprooted from the land of the living (Psalm 52:5).
The righteous, however, having been blessed by God, are likened to a flourishing tree. The olive tree may last for hundreds of years and is a symbol of longevity and usefulness. A productive olive tree supplies about six gallons of oil per year. So, it is with the child of God who trusts in the Lord. Just as the vitality of a flourishing tree can be traced back to its roots, the vitality of the fruitful Christian is traced back to the intimacy of his walk with Christ.
The key to fruit bearing is abiding in Christ!
Application Questions: Read John 15:1-11. What is most essential if you are to bear fruit in your Christian life? What constitutes good fruit in your life?
LookingtoJesus 