Episode What's With All the Trees
The word “trees” shows up more than 200 times in the Bible. Discover why it may not just be “the heavens that declare the glory of God” but also trees.
Chapter 1
Did you know trees are mentioned in the Bible over two hundred times? It’s true! The Bible frequently uses trees as a picture of faith. And in this series of conversations, the Discover the Word team—Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day, and Rasool Berry—explore what trees and faith have in common in a study called, “What’s with All the Trees?”
Chapter 2
Trees are more than just scenery. They provide shade, resources, delicious food, and more! In this conversation, Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day, and Rasool Berry talk about the significant role that trees play in the bigger story of the Bible. You may come away convinced it’s not just “the heavens that declare the glory of God,” but trees as well!
Chapter 3
What’s your favorite tree? Maple, sequoia, maybe some variety of fruit tree? You have a lot of options. But did you know . . . in the Bible, oaks are frequently a symbol of God’s provision, protection, and promise! Be part of the Discover the Word group with Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day, and Rasool Berry as they talk about the spiritual lessons we can learn from the mighty oak.
Chapter 4
What kind of tree best describes you? Are your branches sagging like a weeping willow or pointed up in praise like an evergreen pine? Well, in this conversation on Discover the Word, Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day, and Rasool Berry talk about the many ways trees are used to describe our part in God’s story.
Chapter 5
You’ve probably heard someone say, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Well, in the Bible “bearing fruit” is evidence of our growing faith and our connection to Christ! Join the Discover the Word group of Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day, and Rasool Berry as they wrap up a series of conversations titled, “What’s with All the Trees?” . . . by encouraging you to be green and growing and fruit-producing . . . in faith!
About This Episode
- Show Notes
Receive
The Bible mentions trees more than 200 times throughout the Old and New Testament. From Genesis to Psalms to Matthew and into Revelation, it seems as though many significant theological events in the Bible are marked by a tree. As we consider the significance behind many of the trees included throughout Scripture, may we discover that not only do the heavens declare the glory of God, but so do trees. As we ponder the crucial role trees play in how the story of the Bible is told, let’s look for God’s fingerprints wherever we see a tree or a branch or a bush or a root or some kind of fruit mentioned in a passage. And as we notice the trees in our world a little more, may they help point us to God.
Reflect
- Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you?
- In Genesis 2:4–9 and Genesis 2:16–17 we read about the tree of knowledge. Why did God want to protect Adam and Eve from this one tree?
- How do Psalm 1:3, Psalm 52:8, Psalm 92:12, and Proverbs 15:4 describe what it looks like to be flourishing in our Christian life?
- What can we learn from the warning we read in Matthew 7:15–20?
- How do Acts 5:30, Romans 11:17–18, and Galatians 3:13 point to Jesus redeeming us from our sin?
- How do the mentions of the tree of life found in Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 22:1–2
encourage you?
- Based on Psalm 1:3, Matthew 7:15–20, Luke 6:43–45, and James 3:12, what are some of the signs of a good tree vs. a bad tree?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Dear God, thank You for telling us of Your goodness and glory even through trees. Help me to think of Your lovingkindness, provision, and protection when I read about the beautiful array of trees in Scripture and see the trees You have placed along my path. Help me to join the heavens and trees in declaring Your glory!”
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This Week's Featured Resource
Reclaim Today: Prayers for Ordinary Moments
Trees can seem so ordinary and insignificant, but they can also serve a great purpose in God’s story and so can we. Discover simple prayers for ordinary moments and everyday life situations that can help you connect with God, wherever you are, and in whatever you’re doing!