“Out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food” (Genesis 2.9).

Time after time the authors of Scripture refer to trees. Those who trust in the Lord and delight in His word are compared to a firmly planted tree (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8). Such a tree, firmly anchored, is able to withstand the buffeting of strong winds. Being so anchored, it absorbs the life-giving water and minerals in the earth which are vital to its survival.

A tree is an amazing factory where the work never stops. The job of the roots has just been described. The leaves have the job of making food. Water and minerals pumped from the roots into the chloroplasts react with energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce the food needed to nourish the tree. The trunk has the purpose of supporting the crown (branches, twigs, and leaves), and it contains the transportation network between the leaves and roots.

Solomon writes of an interesting contrast in referring to trees. The planting and growing of trees can be an enjoyable hobby, but it brings no lasting satisfaction (Ecclesiastes 2:4–6,11). Conversely, those who win people over to wisdom and righteousness is said to have a tree of life as their fruit (Proverbs 11:30).

It is easy to take trees for granted, but we rely on them and their by-products each and every day. We use paper, write with pencils, eat their fruit, breathe the oxygen they release, and sleep on beds framed of wood. Their beauty leaves one in awe.

One by-product we rarely mention is a cross. How ironic it is that we find this gift from the Creator is twisted and transformed into the curse for the Redeemer as He is crucified upon a tree (Colossians 1:16,19,20). TPF