Day 85: The Apple Tree of Trees (SoS 2:3)

“Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste.”

Song of Songs 2:3

Right after the Beloved said his love is a lily among thorns, she reciprocates with her comparison too. She said he is like an apple tree among the trees of the woods.

In Joel 1:12 apple trees were one of the valuable trees listed that was grown in Israel. Apple is known not just for its delicious fruit but its fragrance and beautiful appearance. It's probably why it's used to depict the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 

Trees in the bible are used to refer to men. Jesus compared men to trees who bear good or bad fruit in Matthew 7:17-19. In many scriptures like Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17:8, the righteous are said to be evergreen trees. In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar was compared to a large, tall and fruitful tree. Also in Ezekiel 17:28, Isaiah 55:12, and many other texts in the Bible.

Trees however do not just refer to mere men. They are used to refer to great men. Men of great exploits and stature.

How is Jesus then the apple tree among trees?

If you're a fan of any of these outdoor survival shows or are very familiar with forests, you'll know an apple in the middle of a forest is unlikely and unusual. This statement simply alludes to Jesus' uniqueness among the sons of men. There are many reasons but we'll look at just a few.

I. His one-of-a-kind birth: 

Jesus was not half man and half God. He was not born of the seed of man but the Holy Spirit and was clothed in human flesh. No man was and will ever be like Him. John 3:16 calls Him the only begotten Son of God. In the literal sense, it means the only one to come into existence in that unique way.

II. He was the man who had no sin:

As a result of His unique conception, He was the only man who walked the face of the earth without the nature of sin. 1 Peter 2:22 says He was not guilty of sin and 2 Corinthians 5:21 attests to it also that He knew no sin.

III. He is the only exact image of the Father:

Hebrews 1:3 in The Passion Translation says He is:

“...the dazzling radiance of God’s splendor, the exact expression of God’s true nature—his mirror image!...”

IV. He is the only man who died to take away the sin of the world:

No other religion can claim their God displayed the sacrificial love Christ showed us in choosing to die for our sins. Romans 5:8 says:

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

V. He is the only way to the Father:

It is only through Christ that man is reconciled and reunited with his creator. Jesus said in John 14:6:

“...I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

VI. He is the only one with power over life and death. The only man who resurrected from the dead. He said in John 10:8:

“...I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.”

VII. He alone gives life:

He said in John 5:21:

“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.” 

VIII. He alone does great wonders:

After many of His acts on earth, many wondered “what manner of man is this?”. After His death and resurrection, Philippians 2:9-11 tells us He was given a name above every other name. The book of Acts documents all the mighty works the Apostles did in His name. It has not changed in our day. The name of Jesus is still as powerful and continues to do unfathomable wonders.

There are so many reasons why Jesus is one-of-a-kind. Time will not permit us to look at them all. The most important thing however is: 

Is Jesus to you the apple tree among the trees of the forest? 

Is He greater and dearer to you than all men? 

PRAY WITH ME:

My Beloved Jesus, to me You are the apple tree among the trees of the forest. No one will take priority in my life but You. No one will be dearer to my heart than You. Reveal to me afresh how much you surpass all. Amen.

REFLECT AND ACT:

• What personal revelations, events, or acts of God have shown you in the past that Jesus is indeed the greatest?
• Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal to you anything that has taken Christ's place in your life and heart. Ask Him to tell you how to put things in the right order again.