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Posted on April 20, 2007 ...

In an old growth forest along a rugged section of the Oregon coast stands a giant spruce that is called The Heritage Tree. It stands almost 200 feet tall and is approximately 500 years old! But the most impressive characteristic about this tree is neither its height nor its age. What is really fascinating is that there appears to be a tunnel several feet wide that runs through its base. In essence, the tree appears to be standing on a tripod with roots stretching out above ground from these legs for several feet.

This tunnel, I am told, is the space where a nurse log once was located. Apparently The Heritage Tree began its life as a seedling on a nurse log. Nurse logs were once great, giant trees themselves. When they died and fell to the earth, their rotting surface became an ideal environment for the seeds of a new generation of spruce. A seed caught in the mossy outside layer of the nurse log sprouted and took root. As it grew, roots gradually surrounded the girth of the nurse log. In time, the tree shot up to take its place in the forest. Eventually, the tree stands alone and the nurse log, now utterly decomposed, has disappeared. The unique way that The Heritage Tree stands reminds us the observer of the glory of the giants that preceded it.

The proud heritage of North Cleveland Baptist Church stands upon the nurture of the saints who have served this congregation well in days past. In order for us to reach the age and the height we are today, each generation has nursed the next generation along. Their sacrifice has supplied our strength.

As we approach the commitment season in our For a Future Generation campaign, remember the lesson of the nurse log: The next generation will build upon the sacrifice and nourishment we supply. Joshua 2 gives a sad description of a generation that grew up not knowing the Lord or what He had done (Judges 2:19). Our dedication will help our next generation to experience God?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s love and presence in their own lives. Jay

Footnote: Thanks to Timothy Merrill, Senior Editor of Homiletics Journal for introducing me to the story of the nurse log in the November 2006 edition.