“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree… They will flourish in the courts of God… They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing” (Psalm 92:12-13). Learn a lesson from the palm tree. The palm tree flourishes and brings forth fruit in old age. It not only brings forth, but in its old age it brings forth its best fruit. The older the tree the sweeter the fruit. It is remarkable that it grows where wheat, barley and corn refuse to grow. The desert sun parches everything but the palm tree. Why? The palm tree finds nourishment from brackish salt water and it adapts to its surroundings. When you find an oasis, there you will also find a palm tree. (Ex.15:27). A thirsty traveler cannot drink the bitter water of the oasis, but he can tap the palm tree to quench his thirst. During hurricanes, some tie or hold on to the palm tree for safety. During storms the palm may bow, and bend but it will not break. The palm tree remains steadfast when other trees break, fall or uproot. Unlike other trees in all seasons, it has no seasonal change. So let’s learn a lesson from the parable of the palm tree.
Great News! People are now living longer! There are now more senior citizens than at any time in history.“According to 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, there were 40.3M U.S. residents 65 years and older. In 2020 the number of Americans age 60 and older increased by 34% from 55.7 million to 74.6 million. The number of seniors is projected to reach 92 million by 2060, with 18.2 million age 85 or older.”
Yea for us! We are no longer a minority, but a majority. Together we can make a definite difference in our country, our churches, and families. So with one voice let’s stand up (slowly) and say to this world, “Don’t ignore us. We are here. So hear us!” Elders, let’s use our energy to help unite the United States. Let’s resolve to become involved. Let’s teach this generation not to remove the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set, until they know why they are there (Prov. 22:28). “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psa. 33:12). God Bless America!
As the palm tree, let’s refresh and encourage the weary travelers. Let’s realize that the greatest testimony to this world is a changed, contented and consistent Christian. Some ask me, “When are you going to retire from the ministry?” I simply say, “When I’m dead, I’m done.” I’ve learned that cheddar cheese, jeans, iron skillets, beef, vinegar, leather, pickles and my favorite chair becomes better with age and so can I. In the storms of life, as the palm tree, we may bend and bow, but we will not break. When you have a pain, don’t be one. It seems some come into this world crying, consuming and complaining and go out the same way. Don’t be bitter but be better. As the palm tree, in old age, we also can flourish and bring forth our best fruit. What would the desert be like without the palm tree in the oasis? As the palm tree, in our old age, we are not useless, but we can have our most productive and fruitful years. The world needs more palm trees.
Let’s learn from the Parable of the Palm Tree
