The Ancient Forest

God spoke through a picture of Scotland’s ancient forest. Scotland was once covered by a vast forest, the Caledonian Forest. Under its thick canopy, all life flourished and the trees bore fruit and spread their seed. There was more than enough water and food to feed the tall, strong trees as they grew and matured. Their roots mingled – even different tree species grew up together, different shapes and sizes, all making their way outwards and upwards. Though the trees were densely close together, they did not compete, they did not fight with each other, instead they spread out and covered the whole land.

Very little of this ancient forest now remains. Much of the land is barren hillside and glen now, with only a few small patches of the old woodland surviving. Nowadays the forests are managed by man, planted in orderly rows, with very little mixing of species. The trees seem to keep themselves to themselves now, behind their fences, or in their little pockets of countryside.

And the Spirit of the Lord said, ‘I am doing a continual work of restoration and reformation in my Church. Hear my voice, come and grow. Come and fill the land again. Where are my mature ones? Why do you hide from one another, fight and argue with one another? My resources are plentiful, My rains fill the streams and the lochs (lakes). Let your roots be free to drink up My goodness.’

People of God, let’s grow together again. Let’s cover the land with the glory of God!

Habakkuk 2:13-14
Has not the LORD of Heaven’s Armies promised that the wealth of nations will turn to ashes? They work so hard, but all in vain! For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the LORD.