Greg Chandler
Trees are a significant theme within the Bible story. In fact, the word tree is used 258 times in English translations (ESV), and 354 times in the original languages. Indelibly tied with trees are the leaves they bear, which also constitute a significant theme.
The leaves of a tree make their first entrance into the Bible narrative on the dark day of humanity’s first rebellion against God. After making their decision to rebel against God, Adam and Eve realized the consequences of this grave mistake and, now knowing they were naked, sewed fig leaves together as a covering (Genesis 3:7). Far from leaves’ intended purpose, the guilty pair used God’s blessing in a way for which it was not designed.
On the final page of the Bible, leaves make their final appearance. As John describes the blessings given to those who overcome, he states that they will have access to the tree of life, and that “the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2). The blessing of God, now used for its God-given purpose, brings life.
This contrast relating to the use of leaves illustrates a significant concept relating to the blessings of God; they can be used as God intended or commandeered for inferior purposes. When the latter route is chosen, what could have brought spiritual success is forfeited for failure to find God’s intended purpose.
On this first Sunday of the new year, the challenge of a new yearly theme stands before us: “Seek first the Kingdom” (Matthew 6:33). When this idea is taken to heart and implemented in our daily walk, the blessings of God will be used as intended and the healing God promises to His faithful will be realized. The challenge is issued to those who comprise this congregation, as well as every child of God on the face of the earth: use the blessings of God to advance His cause.
The leaves of Genesis and Revelation help us to understand that our choices will have concrete results as to whether we put the Kingdom first. Consider this with a sampling of examples:
- Time: Totally in God’s control, time is a gift given from the Creator (James 4:13-15). Our choice is to use this blessing from God to satisfy secular desires in life or to use it effectively as Kingdom citizens. In this regard, each citizen must answer the questions posed in the old hymn, Into our Hands: “How are we using God’s golden moments? Shall we reap glory, shall we reap tears?”
- Wealth: A sacrificial heart is a non-negotiable part of Kingdom citizenship (Romans 12:1). Living in a culture drowning in materialism, it is easy for God’s people to use the blessing of wealth for personal comfort and contentment. However, when the Kingdom comes first, these things come last; the Kingdom-first citizen will seek to use these blessings to spread the message of salvation and lift up those in need.
- Opportunities: With the busyness of life, it is easy to “back burner” the opportunities to do good for others. When we use God’s blessings as a mere covering (like the fig leaves), it is easy to convince ourselves that what is being done in the present is essential and the opportunities to do good can be done later when life slows down. This, however, is not the mind of the Kingdom citizen. When opportunities arise that can advance God’s cause, the Kingdom-first mindset will seize them and ensure good is done.
Most New Year’s discussions regarding resolutions focus on how they will be broken. Because of this, let’s dispense with such notions and realize that seeking first the Kingdom is not something on par with losing twenty pounds; it is the decision to commit the entirety of one’s life for the cause of Christ. This is not a one-year commitment; this is a commitment that will carry us into eternity.
Such thoughts as these can seem overwhelming, so perhaps an ancient Chinese proverb is in order: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Instead of believing that such a life is beyond personal reach, begin by asking, “What is one Kingdom-first action I can take today?” With this completed, then ask, “What is the second?” In time, the small daily actions will accumulate into a life lived for God.
The blessing of healing leaves is ever-present for the people of God. Even on this side of the veil, the child of God can be invigorated with the knowledge that God helps those who put His Kingdom first and will bless those who overcome both now and forever. May His blessings always be used appropriately by those who love Him more than life itself.
