Why the Name “Cedar Church?”
Cedar Trees Are A Symbol of Strength, Favor, Prosperity, Nobility, Protection, and Holiness
A Symbol of Strength
The cedar’s impressive height and sturdy nature make it an ideal symbol of strength and majesty. In the Psalms, the righteous are likened to the cedar: "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon" (Psalm 92:12). This comparison highlights the lasting and thriving nature of those who live according to God’s will.
Cedar wood, grown in its natural habitat, is dense, durable, and has a fine grain that takes a high polish. It is rich in resin (Psalm 92:14), which protects it from decay and insects. In ancient times, cedar oil, a form of turpentine derived from the wood, was used as a preservative for parchments and clothing.
As believers, we are infused with strength as we disciple and align our lives with God’s Word.
A Symbol of Favor and Prosperity
Cedar is frequently referenced in the Old Testament as a symbol of luxury and wealth. David used cedar wood to build his palace (2 Samuel 5:11; 7:2), and it was also a key material in constructing the temple (1 Kings 5:6; 2 Kings 19:23), with much of it paneled in cedar (1 Kings 6:6, 16, 18, 20, 36). Solomon incorporated it into his Palace of the Forest of Lebanon, using cedar for columns, beams, and the roof (1 Kings 7:2). The second temple also featured cedar in its construction (Ezra 3:7). The abundance of cedar was seen as a sign of prosperity (1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 1:15). David and Solomon obtained their cedar from Hiram, king of Tyre, in Lebanon (1 Chronicles 14:1; 2 Chronicles 2:3, 8), where the finest cedar could be found.
As God’s Children, we are called to prosper in every area of our lives; spiritually, physically, financially, and emotionally. We have a wholesale Gospel. “Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His Servant.” (Psalms 35:27)
A Symbol of Nobility
The cedar’s majestic appearance and fragrance also make it a symbol of beauty and nobility. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved’s stature is compared to that of a cedar: "His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars" (Song of Solomon 5:15). This comparison emphasizes the allure and revered nature of the beloved, drawing on the cedar’s association with elegance and grandeur.
Likewise, as believers, we are nobility. “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)
Symbol of Protection
Cedars offer protection and shelter, symbolizing God’s provision and care. In Ezekiel's prophetic vision, God promises to plant a cedar that will provide refuge for all kinds of birds: "On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it, and it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches" (Ezekiel 17:23). This imagery illustrates God's promise of security and sanctuary for His people.
Symbol of Holiness
The cedar’s role in purification rituals, as described in Leviticus 14:4, represents cleansing and renewal. This symbolism of the cedar reminds us of God’s ability to purify and restore us, echoing the psalmist's cry, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean” (Psalm 51:7).
As disciples in Christ, we are made new and made clean by the Blood of Jesus. This empowers us to live a life of Holiness. Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
