Like a cedar of Lebanon
by Pastor Mark Lieschke
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon (Psalm 92:12).
Read Psalm 92:1–4,12–15
The cedar of Lebanon, revered by civilisations for thousands of years, is a rare wood with a natural lustre and distinctive, long-lasting odour. In biblical times, it grew extensively around the mountains of Lebanon, giving the cedar its name.
For thousands of years, the cedar’s 20-to-30-metre height and 5-to-8-metre width have inspired thoughts of strength and solidarity, with the wood widely used for shipbuilding by various ancient civilisations. Today, it is admired by woodworkers, who find it perfectly suited to cabinet-making and joinery.
In Ezekiel 31:3–5, Assyria is compared to ‘a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest; it towered on high, its top among the thick foliage … it towered higher than all the trees of the field; its boughs increased, and its branches became long’.
To be reminded that we (the righteous ones because of God’s grace) will grow like cedars of Lebanon is an incredible encouragement and inspiration. We (planted by the Lord in himself) are promised that we have what we need to flourish, bear fruit (even in old age!) and remain fresh and green in our relationship with him and our service in his kingdom.
We are valuable in the eyes of the Lord, revered, unique and have his strength. We have been crafted to be reflections of his precise, beautiful and precious work in his creation.
Our new nature – our Christ-redeemed lives – can be lights that shine in the world and a distinctive, long-lasting, pleasant odour for people to be drawn to the one who has planted us and provided for us.
And for that great privilege and honour, we can give him all praise and glory, proclaiming his love in the morning and his faithfulness at night (Psalm 92:2)!
You make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! You, Lord, are forever exalted. Amen (Psalm 92:4,5,8).
Mark Lieschke is a retired pastor living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He served in parishes in South Australia, New Zealand and New South Wales before being elected as bishop of the LCANZ’s New South Wales District. Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking on the beach and relaxing.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
