## Like a Tree Planted

## Psalm 1:1-3

The Bible is filled with visual images. In our text today we find one of the more familiar ones. The blessed man is one who is "like a tree planted by the rivers of waters". What a beautiful picture that paints for us. How many know what 'dendrochronology' is? It is the science of dating events and variations in environment in former periods by comparative study of growth rings in trees and aged wood. Aren't you glad you came to church this morning? Now you know a big word and can use to impress your friends and family! : ) This summer we were in Mt. Rainier National Park and looked at a cross-section of a giant Douglas Fir 665 yrs old. In its rings were noted some amazing historical events. When Columbus discovered America, it was 234 yrs old. When America gained its independence, it was 512 yrs old. This particular tree was around when the Civil War and World War I was fought. Truly trees are amazing. They serve as witnesses to the events of history. We need trees! One mature leafy tree will provide enough oxygen in one season for ten people to inhale in a single year! We would be in trouble without trees wouldn't we? They also clean the air; provide a home for wildlife; give us necessary building materials; prevent soil erosion; and make our world more beautiful.

This helps me understand why God used this image…a tree planted…to describe the character of the godly. We need people with godly character! It will make a tremendous difference in the lives of others! This morning I would like for us to consider what the Lord had to say about the godly individual.

(Psalms 1:1-3) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

I. Note the Position: By the River

A. Always close to the life giving resources.

1. This people of Israel understood the value of this.

2. The Middle East is an area of the world that is filled with desert and wilderness land.

3. But the tree planted by the river is never dry and wilted; it is green, lush and lovely.

4. The believer who lives close to God will never be dry and wilted either.

5. He will be vibrant, lively and productive.

6. Many never know the joy of drawing from Christ's supply daily!

7. The result is a life that is dry and barren.

(John 7:38) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

(John 10:10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

B. The application:

1. If you do not know the joy of salvation.

2. Come to Jesus by faith…let Him plant you by the river.

3. Your life doesn't need to be barren and empty.

4. Come to Jesus today!

II. Note the Permanence: Planted

A. Planted means purpose.

1. Salvation is the work of God in our lives.

2. His purpose is to plant us…

3. It doesn't just happen…before the foundation of the world was laid, God purposed to give His Son to redeem us from sin.

B. Planted also means we have roots.

1. Some folks seem to be like tumbleweeds.

2. Tossed to and fro with the wind.

3. When you place your faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ; we are planted.

4. We are given purpose and permanence.

(Ephesians 3:17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

(Colossians 2:7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

III. Notice the Productivity: Bring forth fruit

A. This too is part of God's purpose for us.

1. Jesus said, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you…and it is for a purpose.

2. That purpose is to be fruitful.

3. What does that mean?

1. Well, in simple terms it means to reproduce.

2. When the Lord told Adam and Eve to be fruitful that is what He meant.

3. After the flood waters receded He gave the same instructions to Noah.

4. But when Jesus gave us the command to be fruitful…He wasn't talking about reproducing physically…He was talking about spiritual reproduction!

(John 15:16) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

B. His desire is that we be very fruitful…

1. The reason that He saved us is that we might be productive.

2. Seeing others come to Christ.

3. The fruit of the apple tree is apples.

4. The fruit of the believer tree is more believers.

(John 15:8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

5. He made that clear in what we call the great commission.

C. If we fail to be productive…we fail to fulfill our purpose as believers!

1. When we planted a couple of tomato plants this year we did so with expectations.

2. They grew large stems, beautiful leaves, but almost no tomatoes!

3. Needless to say, we were disappointed.

4. The parable of the fig tree teaches us that the Lord has some expectations of us.

(Luke 13:7) Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

5. How are we doing in this area?

a. Are we seeing others come to Christ?

b. God hasn't changed His purpose for us?

c. He is the One who planted us…and it is to fulfill His purpose and will.

d. I am afraid that too many are under the mistaken notion that we are here to do what we want!

May I challenge you this morning to be godly. To be like a tree planted? If you have never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, why not come today and receive Him as your personal Savior? Christian, are we fulfilling His purpose in our lives? Is He disappointed in us? Will He say, "I came seeking fruit, and found none?" Will you come today?