The Tree is (of) God

Two evenings ago, the team (Mike from Crossover Bible Fellowship; Mike, Mark, and Lucy from Good Hope; a friend named Elena; and the fam, of course) went to Mr. Kwesi’s house.  When we had arrived and were all seated, we each stood to take a turn greeting Mr. Kwesi as he remained seated, beginning at the right and finishing with the team member who was at the leftmost position.  This is the usual greeting for an elder in society and for a respected man as well.  After the greetings, the men stood and moved off to one side of the group, discussing something.  There was a certain tree in the yard which was the topic of the discussion.  Why a tree?  Why this tree?  Glad you asked: around this tree, people from this and some surrounding areas worshipped their ancestors at this tree.  This tree was a shrine.  THIS TREE WAS A SHRINE!  Newsflash – people actually worship other gods!  The First of the Ten Commandments is still quite applicable.  Not only in a way you might more readily comprehend concerning money, security, comfort, or a good image.  Those, you can call needs or 'non-negotiables' without calling them gods.  Here, at this particular tree, people openly and knowingly worship it.  Loading a picture would probably take forever, but just know that the tree is 16-18 ft around, and 50-60 ft high.  It provides shade and rainwater for the family compound.

Now, the primary idol was built at Mr. Kwesi’s house.  It had been removed at some point prior to our coming there.  The tree was where sacrifices were offered.  Mr. Kwesi, having committed his life to Jesus Christ, wanted nothing more to do with anything that reminded him of his old life; if anyone is in Christ, they’re a new creation (1 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 17).  Thus, he wanted the tree to be cut down if that was necessary to signal the shift in his life, thus exposing his family to the intense heat of the sun and to a shortage of water.  If Jesus was better than his previous god, though, he was ready to trust Jesus for provision.  After some deliberation, the suggestion was made that the tree should remain standing.  Since the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord, then it was possible that we could rededicate it to the Lord, thus purifying the tree and saving the practical uses.

So, a recap of the lessons: Who are you? What's the point?

Now: What's your SlIM (Statement of Life Mission)?  You have a purpose which, if you achieve it, will satisfy your life.  Don't give a Sunday School answer of "glorify God with my life."  How or in what way will you glorify God?  What is at the intersection of God's will, you skills, and everyday life?  What, if you could do it, would be enough for you each day?

Take time; be patient with yourself.  Pray.  Pray.  Ask.  Seek.  Knock.  Write.  Rewrite.  Live.