A Sheltering Tree

Introduction

In the poem, “Youth and Age,” Samuel Taylor Coleridge reflected over his past and the strength of his youth. He wrote the following words:

“Nought cared this body for wind or weather When Youth and I lived in't together. Flowers are lovely; Love is flower-like; Friendship is a sheltering tree;”

This is certainly a true statement by Coleridge. In moments of adversity and difficulties of life, there is nothing like a sheltering tree, a true friend provides. Beneath these branches have rested many a discouraged soul. I would like for us to observe some of these sheltering trees God provided for His servants in difficult times.

As we search the Scriptures we come to Elijah, that great prophet of Israel. Depressed and threatened, Elijah turned in his resignation and decided he would quit. However, God, would not accept his nonresistant nor would He allow Elijah to quit. Instead, God gave His man rest, food and a tree named Elisha.

1 Kings 19:19–21 “So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.”

Elijah rested in the shade of Elisha’s sheltering tree!

Paul had similar experience. In fact Paul had many sheltering trees in his life. In Barnabas he found consolation. In Silas he found a companion. In Luke he found a champion. Timothy, Onesiphorus, Epaphroditus, Aquila and Priscilla he found faithful colleagues. Paul found among all these authentic sheltering trees for the journey.

But of all the sheltering trees one could find throughout the Scriptures, there is one which stands alone like a towering redwood. You see, David was hunted and haunted by a madman King Saul. Saul attempted to kill David on a number of occasions, but Saul was unsuccessful because of one giant sheltering tree in David’s life, Jonathan. With Jonathan there were, no limits, no conditions, no bargains, and no reservations. Jonathan and David’s hearts were knit together. (1 Samuel 18; 20; 23; 2 Samuel 9:1).

Sheltering Trees Provide Branches of Refreshment for God’s People

Sheltering Trees Provide Branches of Rest for God’s People

Sheltering Trees Provide Branches of Refuge for God’s People