10/21/26
Luke 23:31 NASB95: “For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
When trees are green, they provide many needs. Green trees absorb and store or use carbon dioxide to create their food. They release oxygen, which is vital for human life. Green trees lower temperatures by up to 10 degrees and help prevent soil erosion. Green trees purify the air and water.
Jesus provides many needs. Jesus took upon himself sin and released mercy and grace, which are necessary for eternal life. Jesus keeps you out of the fires of hell and prevents soul erosion. Jesus gave us pure breath of life and is living water.
So Jesus used a green tree as an illustration on His way to die. If things like my torture and the pouring out of evil happens when I am here and am providing so much good, what will happen when the tree dies? Critters (rodents, insects, and others) move in and have their way, while the tree deteriorates. They roam free, causing havoc in what is left of the good. Until the tree and all its good is gone.
The world will use examples that dead wood has some good, so even with the tree dead, there is still good. However, at best, this is only temporary. The warmth of the fire turns to ash. The structure built with wood gradually tends to deteriorate. Until there is no good at all. Even the soil that becomes rich from the rotted tree will eventually dry up. And never forget that all good comes from God. If any good comes from death, it has to be brought about by the Lord. Just like Jesus did, and according to Scripture. Romans 8:28 NASB95: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Death must be conquered for true righteousness to fully be experienced, and thus Jesus did not remain in the grave but rose from death in victory to live eternal life.
No longer is His example the tree, but it is now His Church indwelt by the Holy Spirit. There is coming a day when the church will be removed, and evil will for a short period of time run free. It will be a time of no real comfort, and evil will fill every crevice of everything, even the living tree. Although Satan and his demons want the world to believe they can be anything they want to be, this is a lie. You can not be a tree. You can not be an animal. You can not be a different gender.
You do have a choice. You can be part of the church having everlasting life, or you can be part of the world and have everlasting death.
In life, the righteous Savior is present; in death, evil torment is present.
Right now we experience a little of both because the green trees and the dry trees are both here. The church and Satan are both here. Just like I don't want to live in a dead Forest, I also don't want to live in a churchless world. How about you?
Heavenly Father, I pray you will leave the church a little longer so more can have life. Father, I know Your word says a tree that produces no fruit is to be cut down and thrown into the fire. Lord, I ask you to please prune the church and guide us to produce fruit and leave us a little longer. Lord, I will attempt to be your gardener, caring for the tree, but I need you, for only you provide life. Lord, I pray you will bring forth fruit from the church's tree for your glory! Amen.
Love, Brother Scott