Like an olive tree…
The picture below is of a cross from a church in Ephesus. The city is now abandoned, and was only excavated around 100 years ago: its river silted up so that the sea was no longer close to the former trading hub; and earthquakes had damaged the city.
Psalm 52: 8 – “But i am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God.” What does it mean to be ‘like an olive tree’?
An olive farmer living near a city where, nearly 17 centuries ago, significant church councils discussed how best to convey the truths of our faith told us about the olive trees. He explained how the trees needed light (too much shade and they produce less fruit), and that the branches close to the roots or to the light produce the best fruit. The trees need pruning, and the ground around the base should be keep free of weeds. He explained that the trees can be very old. He had some 500 year old trees, but said roots 2,000 years old could produce new shoots that would bear fruit.Pray that the church in this country will produce new fruit-bearing shoots.
– Simon (Asia Team #2)
