THE OLIVE TREE

 

I cannot even begin to explain the deep affinity I feel with the House of Israel. Perhaps because my patriarchal blessing tells me that I am a true Israelite, ‘being of the seed of Abraham’.  I want to be a part of God’s chosen covenant people and I want the righteous Abraham as my father. I consider this my greatest earthly blessing. Being of the House of Israel reminds me of my spiritual identity and a responsibility I have as a link in the chain which is to bless the nations of the earth.

The world would have us be encumbered by political and social strife that would incite fear and unrest. It would have us be devoid of peace without a positive future. We the covenant people are an ensign of hope for a better world and this is why:

“And in that day…..all mine Israel shall be saved. And they that have been scattered shall be gathered. And all they who have mourned shall be comforted. And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned. Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion, for all flesh in in mine hands; BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.”   (D&C 101:12-16)

The Book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon contains a chapter outlining the whole history of the House of Israel and its divine destiny. It is called the Allegory of the Olive Tree by prophet Zenos. Jacob 5 is in my mind the greatest proof of Joseph’s prophetic calling. No man without the mantle of a prophet could possibly outline such an intricate history of a group of people spanning more than two thousand years: before the time of Christ (vs 3-14); the time of Christ (vs 15-28); the great apostasy (vs 29-49); restoration of the Gospel going to the world (vs 50-76); Second Coming (v 77).

The emblem of the House of Israel is the olive tree. The emblem includes two olive branches flanking a temple menorah which the prophet Zechariah saw in a vision (Zechariah 4). The olive branch is a long-standing symbol of peace, reconciliation and hope, with roots in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. This symbol has been carried throughout history and is still recognized today.

Have you ever wondered why the olive tree? The research on this subject is extensive but here is a summary: the olive tree is a symbol of longevity, prosperity, indestructibility and generosity (relative to the fact that it produces abundant fruit even when it is over a thousand years old. It is a living testament to resilience, generosity and ancient wisdom. The other day I saw a picture of an olive tree which was over 2,000 years old and I understood its significance that is relative to the House of Israel.

This, however, is what intrigues me the most, the spiritual symbol. The olive tree is a symbol of peace, wisdom, glory, power and purity. This is us, the House of Israel. This is what we stand for and this is the advantage of being of the House of Israel: through the Atonement of the Son of God, we become reconciled with the Father and that reconciliation brings with it peace through forgiveness of sins. This is what it means to be still and to know He is God.

Here is a deeper thought. Israel is to bless the nations of the earth with the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant. When we take the gospel message to the world and the world comes into the household of faith, it receives the olive branch of peace through the reconciliation the Gospel gives. It’s a beautiful symbolism……the one the world needs more than any other……

We are Israel, Thy chosen seed;

We bear Thy holy name

And proclaim Thy salvation

To the ends of the earth.

We are Thy servant in power and might,

We are Israel, children of light.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Peace I Give by Greg Sargent)