This sermon, delivered by Rick Shabi, explores the unique metaphor found in Mark 8: "I See Men Like Trees, Walking." Building upon the foundation of biblical growth, this message serves as a guide for the modern Sojourner to understand the specific "properties" God is building into His people. Drawing from the detailed characteristics of the Palm, the Cedar, and the Olive, Mr. Shabi explains that we are like trees planted by God — designed to grow straight, remain resilient in the storm, and bear fruit that brings light to a dark world.

In this sermon, you will discover:

• The "Partial Healing" of Mark 8: Why Jesus allowed the blind man to see "men like trees" before restoring his sight perfectly, and the profound lesson it holds for our own spiritual vision and growth.

• The Resilient Palm: A study of the palm tree’s unique ability to grow "straight up" toward heaven and remain evergreen through every season—a model for Christian steadfastness and purity.

• The "Sap" of the Spirit (The Cedar): How the aromatic wood of the Cedar of Lebanon is made impervious to decay and "insects" by the sap within, illustrating how the Holy Spirit protects the heart from pride and false doctrine.

• The Olive and the Light: Why the olive tree is often considered the most important tree in Scripture, focusing on its deep root system, its healing fruit, and its role as the source of oil for the light of the world.

• Fruit in Old Age: An encouraging analysis of Psalm 92, revealing that God’s "Trees of Righteousness" are never meant to go dormant, but to remain fresh and flourishing throughout their entire lives.

Key Scriptures Referenced:

Mark 8:22-26: The healing of the blind man at Bethsaida.
Psalm 1:1-3: The man who meditates on the Law and becomes like a tree planted by the water.
Psalm 92:12-15: Flourishing like the palm tree and growing like a cedar in Lebanon.
Jeremiah 17:7-8: Trusting in the Eternal to remain vibrant during the year of drought.
Ezekiel 31:3-9: The beauty, stature, and deep-rooted strength of the Cedar.
Isaiah 61:1-3: Being called "Trees of Righteousness," the planting of the Eternal, that He may be glorified.