Angus & The Mearns is a place of many different trees.

I find trees fascinating, being a part of the landscape that humans can relate to very easily. For instance, in the forest behind our house, we regularly come across the stumps of felled trees, the rings easily visible, revealing the age of the now deceased sentinel that once stood proudly on that spot. We can compare "where we are", in terms of our size and age with this commemoration presented before us. Sometimes, when we count rings that extend beyond our own number of years, we get a sense of our own mortality and weakness, beside this "older parent", cut down in it's prime.

Another aspect of tree life I find pleasureable is how the view of sunlight is affected by leaves that are being moved in the wind. I can sit under a tree and look through the moving leaves, watching as the sunlight is broken into pieces, flashing through gaps in this veil of green. It is a kind of natural dance, both rythmic and wild. I find it filters a comfortable amount of sunlight through, while giving a coolness in it's shade.

Tree imagery is used throughout the Bible. One passage that always impresses me is from Revelation ch 22, verses 1 -3;

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him".

This is a metaphorical view of heaven, given to the Church particularly for encouragement during a time of great suffering. The leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations. I imagine that tree to be very strong, with an impressive age, well beyond our years. And it's leaves will give that same correct amount of shelter and warmth to those who come under it's protection.

And that is the key thing. Are you one of those who comes under the shelter of this mighty tree? It's leaves are for the healing of the nations; to all who would come to it.

This tree is a metaphor for none other than the One who is stronger and gives greater shelter than the mightiest of trees. The Lord Himself is that One. As psalm 91, v 1 says;

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty".

See you on the road..