Trees … there are all kinds, shapes, sizes and colors. Trees are an important part of our world. They provide shelter, shade, wood for building, pulp for making paper; they are homes for insects, birds and other animals. Many types of food come from trees ... fruits and nuts … and their sap provides food for insects and for making maple syrup! They also help keep our air clean and ecosystems healthy. Trees have lots of roots which grow underground to support and strengthen the tree, as well as collect water and nutrients from the soil. Isn’t it amazing that a tree as tall as a building can emerge from just a tiny seed? Today’s song is about one tiny seed and the amazing things that can come from it.
Tree(s) are mentioned over 300 times in the Bible. There’s the tree of knowledge in the story of Adam and Eve; Jesus teaches the parable of the fig tree; Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about a tree; the tree of life; and most importantly, it was a tree made into a Cross that our Lord and Saviour was crucified on … for if He had never died for our sin and was resurrected, we would be destined for an eternity in hell without the opportunity for spiritual birth and an eternal home in heaven. It all starts with faith and one tiny seed.
Genesis 1:12 - “And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” Genesis 2:9 - “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Matthew 12:33 - “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” Matthew 13:31-32 – “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” Luke 17:6 - “And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”
Be sure to click on the links in the second paragraph for just a few of the many stories in the Bible about trees.
Song Lyrics: “For Centuries kids have cooled off in my shade and climbed my limbs; I've been a home to blue birds, I protect them from the wind; and if you want the world to see your heart, carve it into me. But in the hands of a carpenter, I am so much more -- I frame the memories on your wall, I swing on your front porch. And there’s that table built with love … I bring together families. So don't tell me you’re too small to do amazing things ... I was just a seed. I'm proud to hold you as you rock your little ones to sleep, and be that cross around your neck to show in Whom you believe. They drape a flag upon me when a soldier is laid to rest …you can cut me down, take my life, that’s when I'm at my best! A little grain of faith is all you need. I was just a seed.”
Artist: Billy Dean Writers: Paul Sikes, Trent Jeffcoat, Tonya L. Stout
