June 14, 2003(29)
WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING AS A TREE OF LIFE. The individual who obtains spiritual wisdom and understanding is the person who has found true happiness. Prov. 3:13 The acquiring of wisdom is the finding of the source of life and they will gain the favor of the Lord. Most assuredly that is something worth seeking after. Prov. 8:11 The value and the gain acquired from these commodities far outweighs the profit which may be made by trading in gold and silver. This elevates these spiritual gifts to the highest degree and value. Prov. 3:14 Having been joined to the tree of life, Christ becomes the fulfillment of our dire need of wisdom. There is no other source whereby we may obtain the necessary spiritual elements which enhance our relationship with Him. 1 Cor.1:30 Wisdom is a tree of life to all who will reach out and lay hold of her. To grasp wisdom is to appropriate the tree of life, to adhere to the tree of life is to procure wisdom. Prov. 3:18
THE SECTIONS OF THE TREE.
THE ROOTS. The portion which anchors the tree. Its strength and ability to withstand the onslaught of the tornado, the typhoon and the hurricane. The roots are most vital to the growth and vitality of the tree for it is in them that the sap and food for the tree is stored. They are also the source of water and nutrients from the soil which sustain the life of the tree. The roots are a type of the Lord Jesus Christ, the root of David. David was both an ancestor and a type of the Lord Jesus who sprung from Him. Rev. 5:5 Every true part of the tree which partakes of He who is the root is going to manifest His holiness. They will be what the root is and will bear His likeness. Rom. 11:16 They will partake of that which is supplied by the root system and indulge in the fatness of the olive tree. From whence the oil of the anointing was derived. Rom. 11:17 The roots are the foundation and strength which carry the weight of the tree and maintain its status quo. Rom. 11:18
THE TRUNK. Jesus is the fruit of the tree of salvation. The cross (Gr. xulon, a tree, timber of stake.) He was hanged on a tree and became the way of our connection between earth to heaven. Acts 10:39 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN be lifted up. John 3:14 For the cause of disobedience Israel was attack by serpents whose bite was fiery and deadly. A brazen (the metal signifying judgment) serpent lifted up, upon a pole, became their deliverance, providing they came to it and looked upon it. Obedience to the Word is necessary to receive all blessings. Num. 21:8-9 The object of their deliverance they maintained and worshipped, which was forbidden. In a time of spiritual restoration it was destroyed along with every other heathen image. 2 Kings 18:4 They had even named it Nehushtan, the brazen serpent. Take care lest an image made in the form of a cross become an idol. The warning is in their experience. The cross should mean death to the flesh for us today and not a symbol to be maintained and worshipped.