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Reflection of the Month - January 2007
The Tree of Life
One of the symbols in the Valley Baptist Health System Logo
is the Tree of Life. The Bible indicates that God loves trees.
For example, consider some of the rules for a military campaign:
“When you besiege a city for a long time… you shall not destroy
its trees by wielding an axe against them. You may eat from
them, but you shall not cut them down. Are the trees of the
field human, that they should be besieged by you?” (Deuteronomy
20:19)
Let’s notice the phrase, “are the trees of the field human”,
which suggests that since they are unable to flee the city and
escape they should be shown mercy (other verses of the Bible
that show God’s love for trees may be found in Psalm 1:3,
92:13-16, 96:11-13, Isaiah 55:12, etc.).
In many cultures around the world a new beginning is some time
associated with the symbolism of the birth of a tree. In
Judaism, there is a whole celebration of the New Year based in
planting a new tree.
In the Bible is written that God takes care of plants and dress
them with beautiful colors. In the same way is written that God
takes care of you and me even more than the plants.
In this New Year let us all remember that God is for us and care
for us. We are invited to rely on that… “As the Tree of Life
lies in front of us let’s hold upon her: and happy is every one
that retained her. “ (Proverbs 3:18)
Chaplain Ahmed Aquino, MDiv.
Pastoral Services
Valley Baptist Health System
Ahmed.Aquino@valleybaptist.net
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