They will still thrive, bear fruit and prosper in old age (Psalm 92:14)

Olive trees in southern Italy, photo by Catherine Libeert

My friend Catherine took this photo of these olive trees on her travels in Southern Italy over the holidays. She was amazed to hear that the trees in this grove are all between 1000 - 2000 years old and are still bearing abundant fruit. Did it cross her mind that some were planted when Jesus walked this earth? She didn't say.

We celebrated my father's 98th birthday on January 5. Catherine sent this photo the next day, not knowing it was the day after my father's birthday. The moment I saw Catherine's photos of these trees, I thought of my father. He is like these ancient, gnarled trees -- still thriving, bearing fruit and prospering in his old age.

Psalm 92:12-15 (Amplified Bible)

The righteous [good people] will flourish like the date palm [long-lived, upright and useful];

They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon (or like one of these olive trees) [majestic and stable].

Planted in the house of the Lord,

They will flourish in the courts of our God.

[Growing in grace] they will still thrive

and bear fruit and prosper in old age;

They will flourish and be vital and fresh

[rich in trust and love and contentment];

[They are living memorials] to declare

that the Lord is upright and faithful [to His promises].