Be a tree

For the sake of clarity, the term “be a tree” is metaphorical. So, don’t go and start eating fertilizer and mulch.

Galatians 2:18, “For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.”

The things which were destroyed are a reference to keeping all of the Old Covenant. Under the Old Covenant you were under obligation to perform all of the Law’s requirements. If you didn’t then you were under a curse. In Romans, Paul says we are under grace.

Galatians 3:10, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”

I am so glad I don’t have to keep the Law, but in the past I have. Romans 2:15, speaks of a law written on the hearts of non-Jewish people. Sounds like everyone is under some sort of law. Either the Old Covenant or the law of one’s heart prior to knowing Christ. Then according to scripture, if I obey what I think is right in my heart does that justify me? Then why did Jesus die? This goes back to another question. Is Christ your savior and did He really exist? If He was born of virgin, died, resurrected and is now glorified in heaven then HE is the one that justifies. We cannot justify ourselves apart from Christ. The bible says He is our righteousness and has fulfilled ALL of the Law within us! Amen! Thank you Lord. When He nailed His body to the cross (not the Romans), He also nailed sin and its power, the Law. Therefore, the Galatians 2:20 occurs.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Jesus said a seed must die in order to bear fruit, John 12:24. Who I was prior to Christ is not who I am IN Him. Who I am IN Him did not exist in the flesh prior to Christ revealing Himself to me. The life I live now is by HIS Faith not mine. It is my faith IN Him, but not mine solely. The Galatians 2:20 translation above is the King James version. This verse translation is more accurate to the revelation when it states, “by the faith OF the Son of God.” The faith OF is different than putting faith into. It is His work within us. So, this leads into, “be a tree.” A tree does not try to bear fruit. It does not complain. It does not worry about tomorrow. It doesn’t get up and run when there is a drought. It is a tree. It doesn’t feel guilty if I didn’t help the old lady across the street or give the beggar some money. It naturally bears fruit and gives freely. Be a tree IN Him by the faith OF Him.