December 5th

December 5th

Read: John 12:24-25; 10:28-29; 11:25-26

I used to play the ‘cello. Never once did I think of the tree which died to create my instrument! I should imagine that many trees have been sacrificed over the years for pianos and stringed instruments. We had a fireplace at one time and a wood-burning stove . . more trees. I have never lived in a brick house . . . more trees.

My son John has a plot of woods. He understands how to harvest the trees in them in order to use the wood best. None of the trees which he fells decompose on the ground. They are all used for good. So should we be used for the good, not just lying around decomposing.

STRAIGHT AND TALL
Tree-trunks stand so straight and tall,
Lords of the forest, all to fall
In crashing, sighing agony,
Life into death’s great verity.
Their lives served well while yet they stood
And still awhile they’ll serve as wood
For fire and lumber, their demise
Creating man’s needful supplies.
Some as violins will play,
Others fall into decay
To decompose upon the ground
While the first will bring sweet music’s sound.

Just so with man, whose vaunted might
Seems puny from a tree’s great height.
His death to self and wrong within
Causes new life there to begin.
If he responds to the Master’s hand
His life and beauty will expand,
But if he falls into disuse
Naught but decay will he produce.
Lords of the earth, stand straight and tall!
Come and heed the Master’s call.
Life with meaning God will fill
When you respond to the Master’s will.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to stand tall with You after I repent and fall at the cross before You, Please don’t allow me to fall into disuse and decay.