O King of Nations

Proceeding to circulate, we come to the sixth tree, which is posted:  “O King of Nations!  Come, save humankind whom you formed from clay.”  A fruit generally comes from a tree; however, this fruit grows close to the ground on a plant.  It hails from South America, being domesticated and harvested there for centuries, before its foreign discovery.

And up out of the ground like an aloe, elongated, tapered leaves are arranged in a spiral around a thick stem.  They are as sharp as a double-edged sword!  Then, emerging from that stem is the flowering milestone – at the base of the bloom, a display of reddish leaves – the “red heart stage.”

The pineapple is curious in structure…  It has no relation to pine or apples.  But, everyone knows its iconic pinecone shape.  It is covered by a tough, hexagonal-patterned rind, with small, prickly spikes.  And, the foliage atop is a tuft of green, pointy-tipped, upright leaves – a crown!  Inside, the fruit is loosely fibrous flesh, with a distinctive sweet and tangy flavor.  And though firmer, the core is still sweet and edible.

O King of Nations, you are personified by the pineapple, adorned with your crown.  From humble, earthly blossoming, you now reach the red heart stage.  Nature has a way of offering lessons…  And like this fruit, your Mother’s shape, with Child, grows larger and rounded – symbolic of your abundance and thrift.  The pineapple is regal-looking – conveying your beauty and grace, with a treasure trove of sweetness.  And you, Your Majesty, are sweet to the core!

O King of Nations!  Come, save humankind whom you formed of clay – right up out of the ground.  One day, Jesus, you will display a tough exterior and your indignation will spike in the Temple.  However, things are not always what they appear to be…  It is said that this particular area is the Courtyard of the Gentiles.  And, you will crack the whip at barterers who seize it with their animals and trading tables.  For they obstruct the Gentiles from entering their place of worship to God.

Prince of Peace, overturn the tables of worldly predominance and reconcile the fractious.  Flanked by swords, cut curves from sharp edges.  Interlock the jigsaw of nations, segregated by size, color, race, tenets, boundaries, animosities.  Then, make of one accord these peoples, piecing together the entire picture of your kingdom.