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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Trees (12/05/05)
Cedar was a young tree in the forests of Lebanon. Many of the older trees were jealous for reason unbeknown to Cedar. They would fling pine cones at him to amuse themselves. He was a small defenseless target in their sight.

Seasons came and went when Cedar found himself standing statelier than ever. But his confidence was not that of the other trees which still towered him. However, he always looked to the heavens and somehow felt destined for greatness despite all the negativity that was spoken over him.

A tear drop of sap trickled down his trunk. “There has to be more than this.” He thought to himself. “It is by Your hand, Oh Lord, that I was fashioned. It is by Your will that I stand. Mold me and make me into a vessel of honor. I want to serve You all the days of my life.” With that the heavens opened wide and shods of brilliant rays of light shown down upon him. Cedar trembled where he stood as a heavenly breeze spiraled around him.

He knew in an instant that this was the tangible presence of the Almighty God. Cedar finally understood what the saying meant …”One day in His presence is better than one thousand else where.” The other trees were blinded by the light. The weight of God’s glory caused them to bow their branches in a humble manner. They dared not say a word.

Then heaven closed and all the trees stood in awe, silence swept over the region. The leaves of the trees began to rustle. The applause started out low and began to surmount with a resounding ovation. The trees of the field clapped their hands in adoration to the Lord as the birds flew from of their nests and danced on the wings of the wind; whistling high praises all to the glory of God. Heaven had touched earth and all creation knew it.

Meanwhile, preparations for building the Temple were in progress. King Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the LORD and a royal palace for himself. 3Solomon sent this message to Hiram king of Tyre: "Send me cedar logs as you did for my father David when you sent him cedar to build a palace to live in. 2 Chronicles 2:1,3

Soon the men for Tyre arrived. They were commanded to choose only the very finest of trees in which to honor King Solomon. The sound of axes and the falling trees resounded echoes into the atmosphere. Most trees stood in amazement hoping that they too would be chosen for such a high calling.

“Oh if only You would allow me to be something in Your temple oh Lord. I would graciously accept the honor. However I am the most unworthy of all the trees.”

The woodsmen passed by Cedar again and again. He seemed invisible to the men. “NO!” He shouted and waved his branches. “Please, don’t go.” The trees around him began to chuckle. “You oh great Cedar, what makes you think you are worthy of that high calling?” Cedar began to wilt in despair.

On the final day of operations the woodsmen rested at the foot of the Cedar’s trunk. He wondered why he hadn’t recognized this magnificent tree before. He took in a deep breath and couldn’t believe the aromatic fragrance of this fine specimen. “My goodness, this tree smells absolutely heavenly. In all the trees of the land I have never found a fragrance so celestial; and look… it is a glorious timber. This one must have been reserved for such a time as this. I will set it aside to be used as a pillar in the temple of our God. It will be preserved with an overlay of gold.”

Cedar could hardly believe what he was hearing. He looked up into the heavens and made his final request. “Lord, thank you. Please watch over my friends and forgive them for they don't realize what they are doing.” The trees stood in disbelief as the woodsman removed Cedar.

It was never quite the same without him. In fact the whole atmosphere changed. His response of compassion couldn’t be denied. It caused them to look deep down inside to the root of why they had been so cruel.

They found themselves desiring to know their Creator in the way that Cedar knew Him. Perhaps someday they too would experience His glory.

Footnote: 2 Chronicles 2:1,3
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