GOD & TEXAS: Trees of Texas
As a boy living with my parents, we occasionally drove out to the Texas country-side for a daytrip. When lunchtime came, we would look for a large tree by the side of the road to drive under and have our picnic. Back then, there were no roadside parks or Buc-ee’s. Great memories.
Texas is known for many varieties of trees. You may know about our native trees like Pecan, Hackberry, Live Oak, Sycamore, and Mesquite. But have you heard of our Montezuma Baldcypress, Rusty Blackhaw, Eve's-Necklace, Huisache, Loblolly Pine, and the Prairie Flameleaf Sumac?
Amazingly, there are over 50 varieties of oak trees in the Lone Star state, and some have become living legends. In Austin there is an area known as “Council Oaks.” Only one tree remains of this historical area, and it is known as “The Treaty Oak.” Long before settlers came to Texas, the Native Americans met under this tree to convene war councils and to celebrate religious ceremonies. Lovers met at the tree to make plans for a life together. Later, it is said that the father of Texas, Stephen F. Austin, met with the local Indians under this tree in the 1820’s to make a treaty to establish boundary lines.
Perhaps you have heard of the “Heart O’ Texas Oak?” Nothing historical ever happened around this tree. It just grew up on Ranch Road 1028 near the town of Mercury. Why is it popular? It is said to be located at the exact geographical center of the State of Texas. People drive from all over to stand underneath this notable tree. Have you?
And then there is the old “Wedding Oak” of San Saba. Before Moses Austin came to Texas, this romantic oak was used by the Native Americans to celebrate marriages. As time passed, this very same tree became known as the “Marriage Oak,” or the “Matrimonial Altar” for generations of immigrant Texans. Even today, you will find couples who were married under the “Wedding Oak.”
And then there is the “Secret Oak” tree near Nacogdoches. When the early settlers came to Texas in 1832, they soon discovered that being a Protestant was against the law. If settlers were discovered having worship services outside of the Catholic church, they were run out of the country or even killed. So, the pioneers found an old oak tree outside of town and secretly met there for services. Once independence was won, the first official Baptist sermon was preached under the canopy of this great tree. Now the Old North Church stands near the “Secret Tree” that is no longer a secret.
But there is a tree that is greater than all the trees of Texas. It stood on Mount Calvary and held the only Son of God. Jesus was crucified on that Tree and it provides life and liberty even to this day. As the Scripture says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13 ESV). “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree” (Acts 5:30 ESV).
Yes, Jesus gave His life for us on that old rugged cross. And this powerful truth is not a secret.
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