When it seems like everything we've had and loved - traditions, beliefs, the things of our heritage - have been burned, God takes from it a piece, like the branch of a tall cedar tree, and replants it and grows something new. Based on Ezekiel 17:22-24, this sermon explores how God can regrow a new faith and life from what remains of the old that has grown up over the ages - like an old cedar tree in the woods after a forest fire. By Pastor Lars Hammar.
Ezekiel 17:22-24
22 Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind. 24 All the trees of the field shall know that I am the LORD. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have spoken; I will accomplish it.
Alligator Juniper in the Santa Rita Mountains, south of Tucson.