The Cedar. and the Hyssop
The sermon highlights the contrast between the cedar, representing human pride and ambition, and the hyssop, representing humility and service to God.
George Warnock reflects on Solomon's wisdom in observing and understanding God's creation, from the majestic cedar trees symbolizing power and grandeur to the humble hyssop that served a simple purpose. Solomon's ability to see intent and purpose in God's creation highlights the importance of wisdom and gratitude in recognizing the beauty and significance of even the smallest details in life, ultimately pointing to God's original design for man to appreciate and steward His creation.
Text
"And he (Solomon) spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall," (1 Kings 4:33).
For many years I have quoted this passage or referred to it, with reference to the wisdom that God had given to Solomon. But it was just this past week that I seemed to catch the full impact of what he said. The man to whom God had given such wisdom had insight far beyond that which could be attained by natural learning, and he was able to behold intent and purpose in what God had created. God had left this understanding with man in the beginning... but he soon lost it by his own perverseness, all of which could be traced back to "unthankfulness" of heart (See Romans 1:21). But to Solomon, God had given great wisdom and understanding, and he was able to write with purpose and meaning concerning God's creation. Besides he wrote many songs, 1005 in all--only one of which is recorded in Scripture, the Song of Songs.
The range of Solomon's writings was "from the Cedar... even unto the hyssop." Here we have an indication of the nature of the hyssop. He is speaking of two extremes. Now the Cedar was something magnificent; and throughout Scripture the Cedars of Lebanon speak of power, stateliness, grandeur and usefulness for a house, temple or furniture. Kings and great ones of the earth are poetically referred to as Cedars of Lebanon. Solomon's great temple was built from such material, cut from the mountains by the forestry workers of Tyre, and shipped to the site of the Temple. Carvings were made in the cedar boards, of colocynths and flowers. Some of the furniture was made of cedar, and covered over with gold. But of what value was the hyssop? It served one purpose only.
Sermon Outline
- The Cedar and the Hyssop: Two Extremes
- The Nature of the Hyssop
- The Contrast between the Cedar and the Hyssop
- The Cedar Represents Human Pride and Ambition
- The Hyssop Represents Humility and Service to God
Key Quotes
“The man to whom God had given such wisdom had insight far beyond that which could be attained by natural learning, and he was able to behold intent and purpose in what God had created.” — George Warnock
“The range of Solomon's writings was 'from the Cedar... even unto the hyssop.'” — George Warnock
“But of what value was the hyssop? It served one purpose only.” — George Warnock
Application Points
- We should strive for humility and service to God, rather than seeking power and grandeur.
- Our true value lies not in our accomplishments or possessions, but in our relationship with God.
- We should be willing to serve others, even if it means serving in humble and unseen ways.