A Green Olive Tree

8 But I am like a green olive tree
    in the house of God.
9 I trust in the steadfast love of God
    forever and ever.

Psalm 52: 8-9

Greetings!

This morning, as I was reading and praying, I stumbled upon a verse from the 52nd Psalm. My initial reaction was, “How arrogant!” I mean, just listen to David boast about himself. “Green olive tree,” my foot! I’ve read about all the things you’ve done. But then, I started contemplating the implications of the olive tree. Well, maybe not all of them—I’m not that smart—but I did ponder as many as my pea brain could handle.

To begin with, the olive tree didn’t start out as an olive tree. It began as a mere seed in someone’s hand. And if we go back even further, it started as a seed mixed in a pile with other seeds. I won’t delve any deeper than that because, frankly, I could keep going back and back until I reach God. But isn’t it interesting? That’s the whole point—it all goes back to God.

At some point, every tree that has grown to bear fruit started as a seed, and that seed was indeed chosen (I’m not quite sure how the farmer chooses his seeds, I just know that he does) from a pile of seeds. It was selected to bear a specific type of fruit—the kind of fruit that gives all the glory for its existence back to the living God, from whom the fruit originated and to whom it rightfully belongs. Hence,

“I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.” 

Psalm 52:9

David, in referring to himself as “a green olive tree,” must have recognized that at one point, he was merely a seed lying amidst a pile of other seeds. He undoubtedly understood that, without any power of his own, he was chosen from that heap of seeds. He must have comprehended that the one who selected him did so with the utmost intention of planting him, nurturing him, and ensuring his growth. And indeed, we know this to be true.

If we grow to become fruitful olive trees, it is solely because our God chose to plant the olive seed at the precise moment, in the perfect location, at the right time. But I wonder, are “moment” and “time” truly the same thing? At one point, both David and all of us were nothing more than a seed in the Father’s hand. He is the one who planted, watered, cultivated, and nourished us. It is He who provides for each and every one of us out of His immeasurable love, a love that surpasses our understanding. Hallelujah and amen!

There is indeed a catch, though. Transforming into an olive tree that yields abundant fruit requires time. It demands patience, and as I am discovering, it cultivates humility… No, that wasn’t a typo. The journey from being a seed to becoming a tree can be humbling, frustrating, and downright perplexing. Yet, that is the process, the plan, the paradigm. I’m not entirely certain if I used “paradigm” correctly, but I must confess, I have a soft spot for alliteration.

What a loving God we have, who invests time and exhibits boundless patience. He never wavers or falters. He is THE MAN—Jesus Christ! Amen and amen!

He is patient with you, christian. Now be patient with yourself.

Love you, miss you,

Mike

P.s. I needed to hear this this morning. Sometimes I feel like a dirty shirt in a washing machine, just swirling and splashing around. Tossed and turned, seemingly choked by detergent. Yet deep down, I know with certainty that in the end, I will be pulled out, clean and ready to be showcased. This process is purposeful and will ultimately lead to glory, even if it may bring moments of pain. God has a plan, and He remains in control of every swirl and splash, as stated in Romans 8:28. Even in the midst of pain.