Who Are You Following?
August 16, 2026Pastor Patrick presented today's message, "Who Are You Following?" A video of today's message is here on YouTube. It may help to be familiar with the message but that is not required to enjoy the thoughts below.
Let's take a look at the Hebrew verb for plant, shah-THAL (שָׁתַל). It's actually a primitive root that is used in both Psalm 1:3 and Psalm 92:13 that Patrick mentions in his message. It can also refer to transplant. The key is to recognize that the word's meaning includes a notion of deliberate planting or transplanting to a place where the plant can survive or even flourish. It gives the idea that the person(s) doing the (trans)planting have some control or sovereignty over the plant's location and therefore it's well-being.
As BibleHub.com puts it, "The image is richer than mere sowing; it conveys care, investment, and a desired outcome of fruitfulness."
The word is used only 10 times in the Old Testament:
Psalm 1:3
Psalm 92:13
Jeremiah 17:8
Ezekiel 17:8
Ezekiel 17:10
Ezekiel 17:22
Ezekiel 17:23
Ezekiel 19:10
Ezekiel 19:13
Hosea 9:13
Ezekiel uses it the most, generally in order to describe Judah's political fortunes.
A related fun fact is that trees are the most often referred to living thing in the Bible other than humans.
Bonus
Creation's Final Step
The Isaiah Projects put out one of their periodic emails with a discussion titled "What If 'Doing Nothing' Is Holy?" by David Nekrutman.
From the email: "What captivates me about this text is how God completes His work. He doesn't add another object to the landscape. He finishes creation by ceasing to create. He sets the seventh day apart and weaves a sacred rhythm of stopping into the very structure of the universe."
Included:
Five Ways to Practice and Internalize Day Seven
1. Practice stopping before you are forced to stop
2. Sever your identity from your output
3. Protect sacred space from digital noise
4. Choose presence over mere consumption
5. Rehearse the coming restoration
The Final Challenge: "Have I learned how to stop?"
Bonus2
Talking to Your Kids About Sexuality and Gender
Focus on the Family has recently made available a series of five short videos titled, "Talking to Your Kids About Sexuality and Gender." Each video is titled as follows:
God’s Design for Sexuality
The Difference Between Personality and Gender
Sex as an Expression of Worldview
The Dangers of Pornography
How to Talk to Your Kids
Check it out and sign up (for free) here: Talking to Your Kids about Sexuality and Gender.