A Green Olive Tree

     But I am like a green olive tree
        in the house of God.
    I trust in the steadfast love of God
        forever and ever.
    I will thank you forever,
        because you have done it.
    I will wait for your name, for it is good,
        in the presence of the godly.

 Psalm 52:8-9 

How in the world was David like a green olive tree?  I had to go to Wikipedia to find out a few things about the olive tree before I could even begin to understand this one.  But interestingly enough, it gave me some insight. I can't say that this was what David intended by his statement, but it gives me food for thought for myself personally.

It is short and squat, and rarely exceeds 26-49 feet in height. There is no intrinsic beauty in the olive tree.  In the same way, what beauty I might have had outwardly fades daily; the fruit that I bear must be the result of something more than outward show.

The trunk is typically gnarled and twisted.  I am reminded that my life cannot be anything of significance without the gnarling and twisting of trials, heartbreak, persecution--weathering the storms of life that God allows in order to make us into a "tree" worthy of bearing much fruit.

The small white, feathery flowers are borne generally on the last year's wood.  Our best in life is usually borne on the experiences of the past, of "last year" if you will.  We "blossom" in the present according to what we have learned from yesterday.

 

The leafy branches of the olive tree were used to crown the victors of friendly games and bloody wars. As emblems of benediction and purification, they were also ritually offered to deities and powerful figures.  David claimed himself a victor, even in the midst of a great trial, knowing that God was His defense.  Our victory is in our Savior.  Someday we too will wear a crown, the crown of life.  (I wonder if it will be made of olive leaves??)

Olive oil was used not only for food and for cooking, but also for lighting, sacrificial offerings, ointment, and anointment for priestly or royal office.  David recognized his anointing and his royal crown, knowing that God would faithfully keep His promise to him.  We have the privilege of calling ourselves "royalty" if we are children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  I am a child of the King!

The olive tree and olives are mentioned over 30 times in the Bible, in both the New and Old Testaments. It is one of the first plants mentioned in the Bible, and one of the most significant. For example, it was an olive leaf that a dove brought back to Noah to demonstrate that the flood was over. Jesus went to the Mount of Olives to pray before His crucifixion. Interesting, isn't it, that the olive tree and its fruit are so significant in the Bible, representing peace, war-time victory, royalty, sacrifice, sustenance, and even a place for prayer.  

My prayer is that as we travel the road of life that God has chosen for us, may we be like a green olive tree. Even as we grow old and gnarled, I pray that we will still bear fruit worthy of the Master Gardener.

Getting a little more twisted year by year,

Gloria