WHAT ABOUT BEING FULL OF SAP?
"The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted." (Psalm104:16)
                         
     What would you think if someone said you were "full of sap?"  It does not sound complementary-- until you read Psalm 104:16. If you have a more contemporary version, it will read differently, i.e., "The trees of the LORD are well watered" (NIV), "The trees of the LORD drink their fill" (NASB), or "The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly" (RSV). The idea is that "the trees of the Lord" are flourishing, growing, and developing. By saying they are "full of sap," the health of the trees is emphasized. By saying "well watered" and "watered abundantly," the abundance of their nourishment is accented. The phrase "drink to their fill" shows how their access to the living water is unrestricted. But in each case, the point is their health and vitality.

     The "trees of the Lord" are those "which He hath planted." They are the result of His own careful and effective work. This is nothing less than those who are born again who are "in the Beloved." Isaiah prophesied the glorious outcome of receiving Christ, the coming Messiah. They would enter into a Divinely ordained exchange program. God would "give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning," and "The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." The purpose for this marvelous exchange is, "That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified" (Isa 61:1-3). The extraordinary health of these "trees" continues even to old age. As it is written, "Those who are planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing" (Psa 92:13-14). 

     Weak and anemic believers do not bring glory to God. Such a condition is induced by moving away from the nourishing "waters" by which they were planted (Psa 1:3). A failure  to live by faith moves one into desert terrain, for which the "planting of the Lord" is not designed. But our text views the people of God from the standpoint of God's purpose. It considers the provisions prepared for them. "The trees of the Lord" are, by design, filled with life and good fruits. Such a condition confirms they have been planted by the Lord. It also brings glory to God among heavenly personalities, and all upon the earth that have eyes to see.

     We should also remember Christ's sobering words, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted" (Matt 15:13). Thank God for His planting! How about you? Are you "full of sap," taking in the abundant supply of the water of life?

PRAYER POINT: Father, all praise to You, and to You alone, for the planting of a noble race in this benighted world. I thank you for putting me into Christ. I thank you also for the abundant supply of nourishment you have supplied. In Jesus' name, give me grace to draw attention to Your Person by my life.

-- MONDAY: GOD'S ELECTION CAN BE KNOWN --