Aspects VI: Shining Olive Tree
- Lisa Livezey
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
PRAY to quiet your heart
READ the reflection below
IMMERSE yourself within the picture SELECT a word or phrase to repeat
MARK down your grace-filled insight
The Mount of Olives is believed to have once been a grove of olive trees. These trees stood by Jesus throughout his ministry: when He was teaching, when He was heading to Jerusalem to be hailed as King, when He was betrayed, and when He victoriously ascended to Heaven.
Each of us can be an olive tree on that Mount, accompanying Jesus, rooted in Him, speaking His truth, recognizing Him as King, suffering for Him, and standing in hopeful in expectation of His return.
Alongside Jesus, we shine.
Prayer
Jesus, I want to accompany You in all things. Find me faithful - by Your side, shining for You.
Quote
Yea, the believer ought to shine forth not only by what he hath received from God, but also by what he himself hath contributed; and should be discernible by everything, by his gait, by his look, by his garb, by his voice.
—St. John Chrysostom (c. 347-407)*
Thought
Light transforms its surroundings.
Question
In what part of your life do you see yourself shining the light of Christ? (I welcome you to share your answer in the comment section as an encouragement to others.)
Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life.
—Philippians 2:15-16 DRB
This concludes my "Aspects of the Olive Tree” series. I hope you have enjoyed it and feel inspired in your own growth as you become more deeply rooted in Christ. Feel free to email me or offer your feedback in the comments.
*John Chrysostom. *Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew*. Translated by Sir George Prevost, revised by M. B. Riddle. New York: Christian Literature Co., 1888.
I'm excited to be a contributor to Guideposts' devotional Inspiration from the Garden. Here's a selection that shares about a special time of friendship in my life.
Thanks for dwelling with me in The Olive Grove!
Our lives in Him, should be sturdy and strong, showing growth like the olive tree. His presence from within our heart will be the light for others.