by David Brukiewa

But Not On Its Own.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

This tree was bowed by someone many years ago. American Indians used to bend trees in various ways to mark trails or communicate with other tribes. The mystery of this particular tree is that we don’t really know the original bender’s intent. The tree seems to bow or kneel. It was not given a choice so we can’t really call it “worship” but it does seem to be in the posture of worship.

You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12 New International Version

In another place Jesus says that if we are silent the rocks will cry out. These inanimate objects, trees and rocks made to cry out, clap and sing so that the imperative worship will occur! It reminds us that God WILL be worshiped. He WILL receive praise. In the heavenly throne room there are angels created to praise Him for all eternity. It never ceases, never gets boring, never quiets down, never feels disruptive.

I imagine that God is more excited about our praise than the potential praise of a tree or a stone. We should strive to keep them silent. He delights in us when we worship Him. But it is also true that we can chose to bow or we will one day be made to bow, like this tree, against our will.

Lord, You are majestic over all the earth. May we come to You with humble hearts and bow before You in worship, keeping the trees silent for one more day.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado