THE PARABLE OF THE TREES; [AN IDEAL SYMBOLISM OF NIGERIA'S POLITICAL TREND].
"One day the trees went about to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive, 'Be our king'.
But the olive tree answered, 'Should I give up my oil, by which both gods and men are honored, to hold sway over the trees?'
Next, the trees said to the fig tree, 'Come and be our king.'
But the fig tree replied, 'Should I give up my fruit, so good and sweet, to hold sway over trees?'
Then the trees said to the vine, 'Come and be our king.'
But the vine answered, 'Should I give up my wine, which cheers both gods and men, to hold sway over the trees?'
Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, 'Come and be our king.'
The thornbush said to the trees, 'If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, then let fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!"
(Judges 9:8-15 NIV).
INSIGHT:
With respect to the scriptural context, the above parable is symbolic of how a rebellious person with evil intents, connived and conspired with his cohorts, against the Lord's chosen king and overthrown his government.
And after three years, by the law of equilibrium/reciprocity, the conspirators fought against each other in a bloody duel.
You see, it's a terrible thing with grievous consequences, to rebel and fight against the kingdom established by God and His chosen King; it's tantamount to resisting God's order, and who had resisted such and remain intact?
If you realized the system of leadership is not fair, why not present your case to the Universal Supreme Court of Justice, via effectual prayers?
Then the Supreme Judge of all flesh, who sees the secret things hidden from men, will render justice and reward accordingly. Remember, it's written: "Assyria will fall by a sword that is not of man" (Isaiah 31:8). Selah!
No one conspired against King Nebuchadnezzar but God dealt with his pride and arrogance at the "University of Humility", in the campus of wilderness.
What of King Saul, Pharoah, Herod etc? They all obtained their share of justice from God, when effectual prayers were offered.
Therefore, pray for those in authorities and be submissive to them, according to the scriptures in I Timothy 2:1-4 and Romans 13:1-8.
There is always divine justice, whenever persistent prayers are offered.
It seems to me that, there is a 'perfect replay' of the parable of the trees, in the present day Nigeria political terrain; as for me, I will be vigilant, watchful and prayerful. And my simple prayer is this:
"Whatever tree not planted by God the Father, shall be uprooted/rooted out, in Christ Jesus Name, Amen"!
Closing Word:
"Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious, for those two will send sudden destruction upon them,
and who knows what calamities they can bring?"
(Proverbs 24:21-22).
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