John-Paul Roberts

The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed. Daniel 4:11-12 The world is blessed with some very enormous, ancient trees. Humans may have a lot of cool tricks, but we’ll never get to grow up to be 35 stories tall. In this regard, trees get to inhabit the best of all worlds, heaven and earth. With roots planted in the ground they get a taste of soil, while their upper reaches soak up the sun and touch the sky. 122 and 130 meters—and while trees of the past may have attained such majestic heights, some of the world’s tallest trees were sadly felled for lumber. The towering trees that remain, however, are still staggeringly lofty. Let me tell you about a few giants! King Stringy is 86 meters high and is a Stringbark or Tasmanaian oak (although it is a eucalyptus! Forestry Tasmania follows the rule that trees above 85 m height are spared from cutting…” Another giant is known as the ‘White knight’ (92 meters high) that is like a 30 floors high!! There is actually a posse of white knights, a group of super-tall manna gums (Eucalyptus viminalis) that have called the Evercreech Forest Reserve in Tasmania, Australia, their home for some 300 years. Tasmania appears to be a haven for super tall eucalyptus trees. Then there is the “Raven’s tower” (97 meters ). Located somewhere in California’s Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park , the exact location of this stately sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) remains a secret, a courtesy afforded by foresters to a number of superlative trees. Other notable trees in this forest of giants include Big Tree, Corkscrew Redwood, and the Cathedral Trees. The grandfather of them all is called “Hyperion” (116 meters tall) – reportedly the tallest tree in the world! This remarkable coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) was discovered in 2006 and is so tall that its top cannot be seen. Living in a secret location in Redwood National Park, California,Hyperion is estimated to be between 700 and 800 years old. And if not for woodpecker damage at the top, it is believed it would have grown even taller. The challenge today is to find some pictures of the world’s tallest or widest trees and post them on social media. https://www.treehugger.com/tallest-trees-world-4858795

And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters. Exodus 15:27 There are many trees that have now become extinct, or trees that were part of great forests that have been completely decimated. In Biblical times, forests of Judean date palm trees were very common, from Lake Galilee to the Dead sea. the fruit of the tree symbolised life and prosperity and was praised in ancient literature for its medicinal qualities. But by the Middle Ages, the dates of Judea were made extinct . Now a team of scientists is resurrecting the ancient tree! Do a google search( or use ecosia) to find out which trees are either extinct or critically endangered in your country. This is what I found out: In South Africa the most endangered tree species is, the Pepper-bark tree it is an endangered species according to the IUCN Red List. The tree is highly prized by the indigenous people of Southern Africa as it is used to treat numerous common ailments. Accordingly, it has been heavily harvested in the wild. Read more at https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/extinct-tree-from-the-time-of-jesus-rises-from-the-dead-in-israel

But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God; Psalm 52:8 What is your favorite tree? Is there a tree which you love because it gives you shade? or a type of tree that you love because of the delicious fruit that you enjoy that comes from it? Perhaps there is a tree that you used to play on as a child that brings back great memories. Today’s challenge is to share a picture or that type of tree and say why you love it. Or find a fun fact to share

So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 Today the challenge is to see how you can get your church , archdeaconry or Diocese to incorporate tree planting in their spiritual life and programme. Identify the stakeholders. Who would you need to approach? Priest/church wardens/ member of parish council who might be most open to the idea? Think through the concept with a group. For instance if you would like to suggest incorporating tree growing with confirmation – who would need to give permission? How would it work, where might the saplings be sourced from? (donations, fundraising etc?) Who would educate the young people, who would need to give permission. If there is space on the church grounds for planting trees, think through the issues – who will water – what size will the tree grow to in 15 years (will it push over walls?) Where are there overhead cables? Which are the best indigenous trees for the area? Once you have thought through some of the issues then approach the key stakeholders such as priest and church wardens, parish council members..

“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” John 1: 48 “To sit under a fig tree” is a Jewish figure of speech for meditating on Scripture. It is presumed that Bartholomew spent many hours under the fig tree in prayer with Scripture, was thoroughly familiar with its entirety, both the Law and the prophets, and understood that the Messiah had been promised and was coming. Many people find spiritual comfort at times of loss by sitting under a tree. Take time to notice trees as you read God’s Word and as you explore God’s world. There is something special about them. Trees frame God’s redemptive plan. How do they frame your life? I like to refer to the forest as the cathedral of God’s creation. So when you need to pray, when thoughts are dominated by hurt and anxiety, go for a walk. Stroll among the silent sentinels that declare God’s faithfulness, the towering trees that point to the heavens in worship. Bring trees into your spiritual practice, you may not have a place you can sit under a tree, but consider buying a plant and placing it in the area where you say your prayers. Or if the weather is too cold to sit outside, then sit by a window where you can see a tree. As you plant trees, consider their benefits and count your blessings from God. As you witness trees grow, year after year, as new life appears each spring, consider the hope we have in Jesus Christ. This hope gives us peace in the present and great expectation for the future, as we look forward to the eternal tree of life.