Raven, Dove & Olive Trees
The Night Christ Was Betrayed
The night Christ was betrayed he sought the Peace and Presence of The Father, amongst the olive trees in The Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22). I felt prompted to further explore the poetic nature of God in the Scriptures after first writing these two blog posts (1 & 2). Many of my comments in this post are abstract and may seem as a stretch to correlate them to Scripture; nonetheless, the artist in me appreciates God’s creation and the parallels in His Word—whether I do it justice or not. For that, extend to me grace. *Wink*
Olive Trees
During my research of olive trees, I found that they can grow back from their own roots after being cut down (Reuters. 20 October 2012 “Jerusalem olive trees among oldest in the world”. Haaretz). Isn’t that something we pray for? That we be deeply rooted in The Truth, Christ Jesus, Our Cornerstone? Although Christ was the rejected Cornerstone, he was secure in who and what the mission of salvation was about. Christ already possessed the authority and nothing could separate him from his purpose—his love for us—even as his flesh was pierced and cut by tortuous instruments. How fitting it is that while our Savior was nailed to a cross with trees that had been cut down—as he would also be “cut down”—he would also rise up again in his own power and authority, like the resilient roots of an olive tree, to flourish and be fruit-bearing.
RANDOM NOTE:
Did you know that olive oil was also a comfort mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:8? This was when God described the state of a good land He would bring the people to if they observe His Commands. Doesn’t the Lord promise us the same?
On the topic of olive trees and olive oil, I also found that olive oil was used “not only for food and cooking, but also lighting, sacrificial offerings, ointment, and anointment for priestly or royal office,” (MacDonald, Nathan (2008) What Did the Ancient Israelites Eat?. William B. Eerdmans. pp. 23-24. ISBN 978-0-8028-6298-3). Olives were the source of so many uses! How interesting it is that our Lord and Savior, the Perfect and Blameless Sacrifice, would be our sacrificial offering, like an innocent lamb and even like the oil from olives used in sacrificial offerings. Christ is also our Light, our Healing Ointment, as His Name is higher than all, and Most Anointed for Priestly and Royal Office. Again, you may find this all a stretch to the imagination, yet it encourages my soul. I love looking for My Father in everything He creates.
The Dove
We also recount that an olive branch was also brought back to Noah by a dove to demonstrate that the Great Flood was over in Genesis 8:11. The olive branch and dove have often been used as a symbol of peace. How fitting it is that our Prince of Peace sought the Peace of His Father’s Presence amongst a garden of olive trees. I love how poetic Our Great God is—the Great Author of Life.
Looking back in Scripture, Noah and his family waited a LONG TIME on the ark for the waters to recede. How long have you been waiting for a sign of peace or indication of change in your circumstances or the hearts of people around you? (Or yourself—let’s be honest.) Have you lost faith? Has your faith wavered? Do you only have strong faith when the results of His Work are noticeable? Do you think Noah continued to have faith, even as the waters did not yet recede? Pray and seek the Lord to increase your faith. Better yet, I’ll join you in that prayer, for we ALL need it.
Genesis 8:10-12
10 He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. 11 When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. 12 He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.
The Raven
I never paid much attention to the raven that Noah used to first determine the state of the earth and the height and expanse of the flood. (Actually, I can’t remember if I even remembered a raven was in the story. Say that phrase ten times over. *Hand to forehead*). And it’s true! This Scripture is found in Genesis 8:7. I thought, “Why a raven?” (Again, this may be a stretch to reasons why a raven was used, but I thought it poetic and interesting to explore anyway.) If a dove represents peace, what does a raven symbolize? Well, not only is The Raven my FAVORITE local spot in Port Huron, MI—it’s also the title of a famous poem published in 1845. The same author and famous poet, Edgar Allan Poe clarified in his essay Philosophy of Composition that the raven does not simply symbolize death, but rather “mourn[ing] and never-ending remembrance.” Sounds agonizing. And how fitting that Noah sent a raven following The Great Flood. What a great weight and grief Noah and his family (as well as Our Father) must have felt to have to start fresh and anew because of fleshly wickedness (Genesis 6:5-13). Our sin truly does grieve Him.
I don’t know about you, yet He reminds me of His Promises and Faithfulness when I read of the continual symmetry and parallel between His Character and the physical details of His Creation and “plot twists” of history—these poetic nuances always point back to HIM and HIS GLORY—and His Awesome Creativity.
ENDING THOUGHTS
Again, I apologize for the randomness of my brain. Yet, today was an interesting journey for me to learn more of the poetic nuances within Scripture to connect deeper with Our Lord. Thank you to those of you who braved and persevered the rest of this blog post all the way to the end! And check out THIS POST, in which we explore information and Scripture regarding the geographical fault line at Mount of Olives! *GASP*