Planted

“Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courtyards of our God.” – Psalm 92:13, NASB

As a young boy in Nakaseke in Luwero, I planted a jackfruit tree at the back of our house.

The tree is still standing strong and people are enjoying its fruits. 

Imagine what our climate change-hit earth would be like if every child was encouraged to plant just one tree.

Anyway, our meditation today focuses on the word ‘planted.’

In the original language, the word ‘planted,’ when used passively, connotes taking root downward into the earth and being grounded so much that what is planted is so secure that it cannot be uprooted.

In our meditation verse, ‘planted’ metaphorically describes the thriving and spiritual progression of those who are deeply rooted into God’s presence, symbolized by His ‘house/tabernacle/temple’, so much that no wind or hand can uproot them.

What David meant is that those who are firmly established or rooted in the presence of God would experience permanent growth, stability, and nourishment.

Of course, David knew what he was talking about; from his youth as a shepherd boy, he had been rooted in the presence of God – worshipping with his harp, singing songs of praise and worship even while alone in the wilderness as he looked after his father’s sheep.

I used to think that this verse was referring to a literal building like a church today.

However, it is much more than that.

For example, no building is mentioned in the book of Genesis yet the people of God thrived in God’s presence.

In Genesis 28:16-19 where the term ‘house of God’ is mentioned, Isaac called it so because while sleeping at that place he had a dream of a ladder on which angels were ascending and descending from heaven.

Indeed, even today, there are millions of Christians worldwide who cannot gather together in a physical church building for various reasons including persecution.

For example, there is not even a single physical Church building in Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Afghanistan, etc because the public practice of any religion other than Islam is prohibited by law.

Now, does it mean that the believers in those countries cannot enjoy the blessings of being ‘planted in the house of God? Of course not!

In Matthew 18:20, our Lord teaches us that, “where two or three gather in My Name, there am I in their midst.”

This underscores the truth that the gathering of believers in worship also constitutes a sacred space where God’s presence is manifest.

As children of God, we were called to be rooted and established in the presence of God for the benefit of the entire community and society.

So, being ‘planted in the house of God’ may encompass both personal devotions and fellowship with other believers to experience the presence of God.

The second part of our meditation talks about “flourishing in the courtyards of our God.”

In ancient Israel, the temple had spacious courtyards, which served several purposes.  

The outer courts were more accessible to the general population, while the inner courts were restricted to priests.

Temple courts served as a gathering place for worship and communal activities.

Pilgrims from all over Israel and beyond would gather in these court areas during major religious festivals such as the Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, to offer sacrifices (see Psalms 116:18-19).

Beyond their religious significance, the Temple and its courts were also a cultural and social center for the Jewish people.

It was a place where teachings about the Law were imparted, legal disputes were settled, and community affairs were discussed.

The Temple and its environs therefore served as a focal point that unified the Jewish people in worship and identity.

Furthermore, the Temple courts were also an economic hub, where merchants sold animals for sacrifice, exchanged currency, and provided various goods and services necessary for the rituals and pilgrimages.

This aspect of the Temple’s function added to its overall importance in ancient Israel.

That implies that “flourishing in the courtyards of our God” metaphorically means ‘ordinary Christians’ thriving spiritually, emotionally, and possibly materially.

It implies a life filled with blessings and favor from God as a benevolent and useful member of the wider community.

As children of God, we were called to be rooted and established in the presence of God for the benefit of the entire community and society.

Regardless of what happens or where we might be, may we always stay grounded in the presence of the Father!

The benefits that would accrue from it would be unmissable by the wider community.