THE PARABLE OF THE PALM TREE

"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree." Psalm 92:12


Palm trees are mentioned more than 30 times in the Bible. The first mention of the palm tree occurs in Exodus 15:27, where, upon departing from Egyptian bondage, the Israelites "came to Elim, where there were 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees." Isn't it interesting that the number of palm trees is mentioned with the wells? There is good reason for this; the palm tree was a valuable commodity in ancient days. Today we will examine 4 characteristics of palm trees, making a spiritual application to each, thus, "the parable of the palm tree."

  1. Four Characteristics of Palm Trees:
    1. Palm trees are easily spotted and identified.
      1. One does not need a Ph.D. in botany to identify a palm tree.
      2. Palm trees are difficult to hide.
        1. They are tall-- average height 60-80 ft. Up to 100 feet
        2. They don't blend in with their environment.
    2. Palm trees are fruitful.
      1. They were a major food source for the Israelites.
      2. They bear their best fruit when they are old.
    3. Palm trees have many uses.
      1. The Syrians had over 360 uses for the palm tree. In addition to fruit:
      2. Its sap could be mixed with water to make wine.
      3. The seed from its fruit was ground and fed to livestock.
      4. Fibers from its leaves were used to make rope.
      5. The leaves were used to make baskets and mats.
      6. Wood from the trunk was excellent for building.
      7. Every part of the palm tree was useful. It was held in such high regard for its beauty and practicality, that it was a common name given to women in the OT--"tamar".
    4. Palm trees are durable.
      1. They are deep rooted.
      2. They will bend under extreme conditions but they rarely break or become uprooted.


  2. Christians and Congregations Should Be Like the Palm Tree:
    1. We should be easily recognized and identified-- WE SHOULD BE DISTINCTIVE!
      1. Some congregations are not distinctive in NAME:
        1. "Family of God at ________, a church of Christ"
        2. "___________ Community Church of Christ"
      2. Some congregations are not distinctive in DOCTRINE:
        1. Instrumental music in worship is not a test of fellowship.
        2. Understanding the purpose of baptism is not necessary to being a Christian.
        3. The organization of the church is not a test of fellowship.
      3. Some congregations are not distinctive in PRACTICE:
        1. Some are "exchanging pulpits" with denominations.
        2. Some are using women to teach mixed adult classes. "Team teaching"
        3. Some are using women in leadership roles in the work & worship of the church.
        4. Some are endorsing and attending Promise Keepers.


      1. The LIFE of a Christian should be distinctive:
        1. Matthew 5:14-16 "Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a candle and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light therefore shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
        1. Titus 2:7-8 "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing integrity, reverence, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned."


    1. Christians are to be FRUITFUL
      1. Matthew 7:15-20 Everyone bears fruit of some kind, either godly or worldly.
      2. John 15:1-8 bearing godly fruit is proof of discipleship
        1. The branch is the individual Christian, not the multiplicity of modern religions.
        2. Only a Christian can bear godly fruit (cf. Gal. 5:22-23 only a Christian can bear the fruit of the Spirit)
        3. Any Christian who fails to bear fruit is cut off, cast out, and burned up.


    2. Christians have many TALENTS
      1. As made in the image of God we all have abilities to do something in the kingdom:
        1. The zero talent man does not exist-- Matthew 25
        2. Ephesians 4:7 "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ."
        3. Ability is only valuable when put to use. If we do not use our God-given talents in His service, we are useless to the kingdom.
      2. Too many of our older Christians have entered into early retirement:
        1. "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His (God's) rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His." Hebrews 4:9-10
        2. Galatians 6:9-10 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."


    3. Christians should be DURABLE
      1. "But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
      2. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14