"... whose Leaf shall not fade ..." Ezekiel 47:12

This time of year in the midwest, we look about to see leaves fading, falling, blowing all about and everywhere. Yet, the Bible has a passage which states the "leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit." Ezekiel 47 gives a glimpse of an amazing tree that is growing by a river, unaffected by seasons or harsh weather. Does it seem possible? It is possible if taken as a Biblical promise meant solely to encourage God's people that He cares for them; He has a plan for them; He protects and preserves them. The key to these blessings comes just a little farther in Ezekiel 47:12 "...because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary ..." The very source of nourishment for that tree, which is strong enough to withstand the seasons and aging time, comes from the strength gathered through the purity of God's holiness. God's sanctuary is one that offers life, abundant life. It will prevent the fading, the falling, the tossing and crumbling which results from tainted waters that are polluted with the world's offerings.

Psalm 1 is a parallel passage showing a tree planted by the river: "His leaf also shall not wither" verse 3. However, verse 1 provides the true subject "Blessed is the man." God is using a similie, comparing a blessed man to a strong, stable tree: "He shall be like a tree." What is our nourishment giving us strength to withstand trials that would blow us, bend us, cause us to become uprooted? Simply this: the Law of the Lord. From the heavenly sanctuary of our Lord, has come His Law delivered to us through the many writers starting with Moses and the Ten Commandments to the Apostle John as he penned the prophetic words in the book of Revelation. By wrapping the Word of God around us, drinking in the passages, allowing it soak into our soul, we can possess that very power that only our Lord offers.

Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the Autumn season. When you see the vibrant leaves which have changed from their shades of green, remember that God has given each of us a promise: we can be strong, with unfading leaves, strong in Him and through Him, as we walk in His counsel.

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"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace,

As I have seen in one autumnal face." John Donne