THE CEDAR TREE TREASURE

I received another special treasure from a friend that I consider a masterpiece from nature. Once again, I was in awe and wonder at God’s creations where I see His presence and love shining forth. It made me think about how all of creation gives glory and praise to God, the Creator.

This is from a cedar tree that was on my friend’s property. He knew I would appreciate having this to add to my heart collection, which God uses to remind me of the importance of love in our lives. Notice the outside is heart-shaped as well as there being a red heart-shape on the one side. I find it quite unique to see the wood grain color present in the rectangle area on the bottom right of the red heart. This is what the tree heart looked like when I received it.

 

Notice the unique wood grain color present at the bottom right in the heart.

 

It is amazing to see the transformation that took place when it was sanded to be smooth all over and then covered in many layers of clear enamel. The enamel brings out the intricacies of the wood grain as well as the brightness of the red heart. How did God make this cedar tree have a natural red color heart in it?

 

 

As I look in wonder at this treasure, I reflect on what God might be revealing to us about trees.

Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  –Genesis 2:8-9  (NIV)

Right from the beginning, God put Adam, the first man He breathed life into, in the middle of a beautiful garden, which consisted of many different types of trees. The man was in awe of the beauty of the trees, and the trees provided nourishment for him.

 

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.  –Psalm 148:7-13  (NIV)

God made all of creation, from the sea creatures to the weather, to the animals, to people, to praise the Lord, the Creator. We all have our unique ways of praising. I believe this heart treasure is giving praise to the Lord by displaying and reminding us of God’s beauty and love, which we can behold when gazing upon it.

 

I was curious to see what Scripture references there were to cedar trees, as well as wanting to learn about cedar trees.

 

Biblically, cedar trees are known for being…

…planted by God.

The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. In them the birds build their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees.  –Psalm 104:16-17  (ESV)

 

…a model for the righteous.

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.  –Psalm 92:12-13  (ESV) 

 

A cedar of Lebanon tree.

Photo courtesy of Hornbeam Arts under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

 Cedar trees are known for being…

…strong and durable.

“The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.”  –Isaiah 9:10  (NIV)

 

…tall and noble.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take a branch from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant it on the top of Israel’s highest mountain.”  –Ezekiel 17:22  (NLT)

 

…good shade.

It will become a majestic cedar, sending forth its branches and producing seed. Birds of every sort will nest in it, finding shelter in the shade of its branches.  –Ezekiel 17:23  (NLT)

 

…fragrant.

Your lips are as sweet as nectar, my bride. Honey and milk are under your tongue. Your clothes are scented like the cedars of Lebanon.  –Song of Songs  4:11  (NLT) 

 

The back of this heart is very interesting too. Notice that the red color is not a heart-shape on the back side.

 

Can you see the “tea cup” with the dark rim facing upward and the wood grain on the right, also on the front, in the red part?

 

How amazing is it that there appears to be an almost “tea cup” looking shape randomly inside the heart only on the back? I’m not sure you can see it, but it almost looks like there is steam coming out of the top of the cup too. It reminded me of Jesus sharing the cup of wine with His disciples and us at the Last Supper.

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”  –Matthew 26:27-28  (NLT)

 

What a God moment with this treasure to see the wood color (non-red) rectangle area on BOTH the front and back of the red heart in the same spot! I think there is some symbolism to it being inside the red heart.

As a friend mentioned, at first glance, it almost looks like a Band-Aid which could symbolize the hole in our hearts that only Jesus can fill. Our hearts are restless until they rest in the Lord. Or, as another friend mentioned, it could represent when Jesus died and His side was pierced.

But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.  –John 19:33-35  (NIV)

When the soldier pierced Jesus’ side, the flow of blood and water appeared as a result of the spear piercing the sac around Jesus’ heart and the heart itself. It can be a reminder of that piercing and the great love that Jesus has for each one of us, in giving His life to set us free.  When I look at this cedar heart treasure, it reminds me of Jesus’ burning love for all of humanity to come to Him. 

 

This week, may you be reminded of the cedar tree and remember to…

…be in awe of the beauty of the trees.

…look for ways all of God’s creation praises Him.

…seek ways your life can flourish for the Lord.

 

…be strong in the Lord and in your faith.

…stand firmly planted in the Lord.

…sow good seeds of righteousness.

 

…waft the aroma, the fragrance of God.

…appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice of His blood for your salvation.

…thank Jesus for His burning love for all of humanity.

 

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.  — Psalm 96:12  (NIV)