Talking Trees…

Jotham told this story about talking trees:

Once upon a time the trees decided to choose a king.

First they said to the olive tree, ‘Be our king!’ The olive tree refused, saying, ‘Why Should I quit producing the olive oil that blesses both God and people, just to wave back and forth over the trees?’

Then they said to the fig tree, ‘You be our king!’ But the fig tree also refused, saying,

‘Should I quit producing my sweet fruit just to wave back and forth over the trees?’

Then they said to the grapevine, ‘You be our king!’ But the grapevine also refused, saying, ‘Should I quit producing the wine that cheers both God and people, just to wave back and forth over the trees?’

Then all the trees finally turned to the thornbush and said, ‘Come, you be our king!’

And the thornbush replied to the trees, ‘If you truly want to make me your king, come and take shelter in my shade. If not, let fire come out from me and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’

Power: Just because the thornbush had the opportunity for power didn’t make it good or right. The parable questions both the need for a tree-king and the method of appointing one.  

In recent weeks we’ve thought about leadership in Russia, Israel, Gaza, Haiti, Sudan… Soon we shall choose leaders in the UK and the US. Where do we see thornbush, fire-devouring leadership?

Contentment: The first three trees knew what they were good at and were content with their role. They were given the opportunity to change, but chose not to.

Sometimes change seems attractive; when I’m offered change, I don’t have to accept it. Recognising and sticking with what I’m doing and what I’m good at is OK.

Selflessness: The first three trees focused on being useful, producing sweetness, bringing cheer… the help and support they could give to others. The thornbush thought only of himself.

My fruit-full-ness, my usefulness, sweetness and cheerfulness, is there for the benefit of others.

Patience: Good fruit – olives, figs and grapes – take careful cultivation and time; fire just takes a spark…