Day 19 – Leaves of Hope

“This time the dove returned to him in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Then Noah knew that the floodwaters were almost gone” Genesis 8:11 NLT

Moving from the definition of groves, albeit not as “Christian” as we would like, let’s look at the spiritual meanings of the Olive. The rule of the first mention takes us back to the scene in Genesis on the Ark where Noah released a dove and waited for its return flight to bring a sign of hope.

Famous Christian author, Max Lucado penned these words I would like to quote from his book: A Love Worth Giving. “You know the feeling. You have stood where Noah stood. You’ve known your share of floods. You’ve been on Noah’s boat. And you’ve needed what Noah needed; you’ve needed a little hope.” The dove returned with a sign of life, an olive leaf. For isn’t that what hope is? An olive leaf, evidence of dry land after an all-consuming flood.

Sometimes we are the olive leaf bearer and other times we need an olive leaf.  How beautiful that something so small, and seemingly insignificant, can carry the symbolism our faith is built on. I understand why Jesus chose to pray in the olive grove. Hearing the wind rustling the leaves of hope for the people He came to give everlasting hope in eternal life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for through the dove, you gave Noah and his family hope that their days in the Ark will soon be to an end. Thank You that through hope, we can hold on to Your promises and the salvation secured by Jesus Christ. My prayer today Lord, is to please send an olive leave to my brothers and sisters who are in need of hope. Amen.