In my last post, I told you about the brilliantly colored tree which was made up of beautiful leaves, each changing their colors at the appropriate time, and how these leaves symbolized the body of Christ. I ended the message with this statement: “Know that each of us is a brilliantly colored leaf combined with other brilliantly colored leaves to create a brilliantly colored tree to the glory of God!!” But what happens when these leaves fall to the ground? Are they dead? What does this mean to us, God?
While exercising on our elliptical machine this morning, I saw lots of leaves from our silver maple (different tree from last message) laying on the ground. There are still many leaves left on the tree so the ground will be covered in the next few days/weeks. I wondered why God led my eyes to these leaves. What does this mean to the body of Christ? Are these members of the body who have fallen from Christ? Are these members of the body whom God has sent to the ground (into the world) to fertilize (infiltrate) that ground with God’s word and truth? These leaves will never return to that tree as a leaf. What does this mean, God?
“Since leaves have water inside their cells, they can’t survive freezing temperatures, because the water would freeze and the leaves would die. When leaves fall to the ground, they eventually break down and provide nutrients for the soil, helping prepare for more plants to grow in the spring and also create a layer that helps the ground absorb water.” https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/learn-about-leaves/
Every fallen leaf is still living and will take on a new form to provide what the soil needs. This helps to prepare more plants to grow in the spring. Do you see? God is telling us that each leaf (us as members of the body) continues to have purpose as we relocate to a different environment /different season in our lives and in another form, or as a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Our purpose is to help break down the soil (minds of others; closed thoughts) so that God’s Holy Spirit can flow through it along with His Word, just as air and elements are absorbed into the natural ground once it is broken or plowed. He asks us to teach or spread His Word to others wherever we are. In the spring of our season, we will thank God for His fertilization that has taken place as we see more trees/plants emerging and growing into mature plants. He is the one who gives the spreading and teaching the increase! It is all a God-process but one which brings new life - to our planet and to our spirits!
Psalm 1:3 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.
At this time of Thanks and Giving to others, let us all remember that God deserves our thanks and giving every day of every year, regardless of what we are facing and going through. Because this life and all that we have came from Him in the first place. Blessings to you all!
Thanks for stopping by,
Rachel
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