Genesis 18:1: Then the Lord appeared to Abraham by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day.
The word 'terebinth tree' in Hebrew literally means 'a strong tree, like an oak tree; or strength', and the word 'Mamre' here means 'vigor'. This 'tree' is actually a 'picture' of the cross, where Jesus finished His work some 2,000 years ago. Galatians 3:13 says, 'cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'. The Bible says Jesus has become a curse for us, so that we are set free (from the curse of sin), redeemed, and now receiving the blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:13-14). The Bible also says Jesus who knew no sin has become sin for us, so that we are now made righteous (in right standing) through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
As you lean & rest on this 'tree', you'll find perfect rest. Jesus has become your 'strength'. The psalmist wrote 'He is your strength, and your one sure foundation' (see Psalm 46)! In Him, you are now therefore 'invigorated', 'revitalized', and 'refreshed' again! Hallelujah!
Friends, what has been burdening you lately? Is it a concern for someone in your family, or your spouse, or your children? Or maybe it's a business/career concern or direction, or a financial burden. Or maybe your health. Cast all these burden to Jesus. He has carried them all on the cross (Isaiah 53:4-5). Or maybe you aren't exactly sure what's the next step in life. Cast these also to Jesus. He is the One who cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Someone asked me this question: "Have I done enough lately?" My answer was: "Even if you have been working 23 hours every day, you may still ask the same question!" Well, we are living in such a world now, where everything seems to be at an accelerating speed, and 'time' never seems to be enough! The next thing you know, a new week has 'come and gone' again, and that's while you are still catching up on your breath!
Beloved, there's only one place that's truly 'enough', and it's only found in Jesus. The Bible says 'His grace is enough (sufficient) for you' (2 Corinthians 12:9). If earthly things have recently left you 'dry' and 'unsatisfied', come to Jesus. Take a deep breath (in fact, another word for 'rest' in Hebrew means 'taking a deep breath'). He is where you find perfect 'rest & refresh'. Rest in Him. And imagine you are in the middle of a desert and you find an 'oasis' of drinking water! He is indeed your 'oasis'. So, come & drink freely from Him. Jesus also says, 'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28), 'for My yoke is easy and My burden is light' (Matthew 11:30).
So, what exactly is your 'terebinth' tree?
A 'terebinth' tree is where you lay all your burden to Him, and in return, you receive His (which is light and easy). Genesis 18:4 says, 'let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the (terebinth) tree'. Jesus has indeed carried all your heavy yoke and burden on the cross. Therefore, yours is now light and easy. Not only that, at the 'tree', you'll also come to a place of 'washing of the water', being refreshed by the water of His Word and His Spirit.
It's also at this 'tree' that God appeared to Abraham and Sarah, and He spoke to them. There, they received the promise of a son. So, you can also say it's a place of 'meeting with God', and a place of 'promise'. And last but not least, it's also a place where they found comfort & assurance, when God said, 'is anything too hard for God?' (Genesis 18:14)
