The uncanny resemblance between a person's growth in Christ and the growth of an olive tree will either: fascinate you, blow your mind, or literally freak you out. The olive tree is mentioned several times throughout scripture, and probably the more familiar verse to those who read their Bible:
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit, for without Me, you can do nothing."
(John 15:5)
Some other mentions of the olive tree in the Word of God are:
1. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God (ripe);
I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.
(Psalm 52:8)
2. The olive branch is a symbol of abundance, glory and peace.
3. Olive oil has long been considered sacred; it was used to annoint Kings.
4. A dove brought back an olive leaf to Noah to demonstrate the flood was over. The olive leaf
represented life.
5. In Revelation it is mentioned that 2 olive trees and 2 lampstands will be found standing beside God.
6. Abraham was the root of the church. Jews continued as branches of this tree until as a nation they rejected the Messiah. Then their relation to Abraham and God was cut off. The Gentiles were grafted into this tree, multitudes were made heirs of Abraham's faith.
So, why is the olive tree used so much through the Bible in reference to the church, to Abraham, and to us? One of the more fascinating facts about the olive tree is:
The olive tree is very hardy; it is drought resistant, disease resistant, and fire resistant. It's root system is capable of generating the tree even if the above ground structure is destroyed. There are olive trees today that are 2,000 years old.
So, the root that we are grounded in, the foundation of Jesus Christ, can withstand anything the enemy may throw your way.
And now, here is how to grow an olive tree:
1. Growing an olive tree falls into the category of delayed gratification. Under proper conditions olives don't begin to bear fruit until they are about 5 years old.
In our growth process in Christ, sometimes it takes a few years to grow into the person Christ wants us to be, before we see any fruit in our walk in Him.
2. There are two types of olive trees: fruiting and fruitless. Some olive trees produce fruit, others don't and are grown solely as an ornamental plant.
Do you want to grow into the person Christ wants you to be? Or do you want to just look good before others as an ornamental piece?
3. In the fruitless category, one variety is majestic beauty. It is slow growing but has all the beautiful attributes you'd like in an olive tree.
Our growth process in Christ is just like the potter and the clay mentioned in the Bible. We need to allow God to work out the yucky stuff in our life and shape us, so that we may grow into something beautifully made and used by Him.
4. One of the fruiting variety, the Arbequina, is slow growing and has a weeping habit. It produces inch long fruit that can be picked green or black. It responds well to harsh pruning, so it would be a good choice for someone who doesn't feel good about their pruning skills.
This is why we need to allow God, the Potter, to mold us and shape us into who He wants us to be in Him. We need to accept the pruning process, which is our trials and tribulations, in order for us to grow.
If you are going to grow an olive tree, remember, they love full sunshine, but allow them to dry out a bit in between waterings.
If you want to be the person God wants you to be, one full of joy and sunshine, allow God to prune you in those dry seasons where you may find yourself struggling a bit.
Written by Dave Montei
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