Olive Branch
“When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.” Genesis 8:11
You don’t need to be a Bible scholar or even a Christian to know the story of Noah. Some people were making poor choices and living life according to their desires. Noah begged God to give these people a chance, so He did; time-after-time again-and-again. The people didn’t change so God sent a flood. Noah built the ark when there was no rain or need for a gigantic boat. The earth flooded and Noah, his family, and all the animals (Even the snakes and mosquitoes. Why, God?). Every once in awhile, Noah would send a dove out to see if there was dry land. Finally, the dove returned with an olive branch.
The olive branch symbolizes peace, hope, and renewal. When the dove returned with the branch, Noah knew the flood was over and a new life was about to begin.
When we talk about the Church, I think of the olive branch. The Church isn’t a building or a place we attend. It is not something that only serves us and our needs. We are the Church. You and me. And the olive branch? That’s our ministry.
The problem with the Church is that it is filled with people. People are messy. Life happens and hurts occur. Most of us want retribution and accountability. We want those that hurt us to be held responsible for what they have done to us. Yet, we were created to be the olive branch.
Who is trying to give you an olive branch that you have denied? Who is trying to bring peace back to your relationship but you are waiting for them to pay their penalty? Who do you need to give an olive branch to? You need to relinquish the desire for payment and usher in peace. We do so by accepting or handing over the olive branch.
You see, the Church isn’t a place. It isn’t a building. It’s not something that solely gives to us and fills our needs. The Church is you and me in action giving love and grace at all times; especially when it is undeserved.
The olive branch symbolizes the Church: hope when all hope seems lost. It is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts. The olive branch shows love and mercy even when they are totally undeserved.
We search and search for the right church. We run from the church because there are too many hurts in that space. What we don’t realize is that the church is made up of people. That we are the Church and the olive branch is our gift.
Relinquish the desire for punishment. Let go of the need for others to be held accountable before you can love them again. Be the olive branch and you will be the Church.
Love & Blessings,
Meg