The Jack Pine, pinus banksiana, is a tree which ranges indigenously from the majority of Canada to the northeast areas of the United States between Minnesota and Maine. The farthest down it extends into the United States is the northern tip of Indiana. Its wide habitation led the tree to being called by different names. Some names include Eastern Jack, Gray Pine, Black Jack Pine, Prince's Pine, Banksian Pine, Hudson Bay Pine, or Scrub Pine. Being a tree that deteriorates quickly and a tree in which its wood is usually knotty, the Jack Pine is used more for industrial needs such as telephone polls, pulp, and fuel. It does have common features like other pines in its family (e.g. cones, needles, etc.), but what makes this pine tree uncommon is the way it reproduces. It is serotinous, meaning in order to reproduce it needs an environmental trigger.
In the southern part of the Taiga Forest (the forest that extends from northern North America to Eurasia), conifers share habits with deciduous trees. The annual event of leaf-shedding from those deciduous trees creates a "forest mat" which becomes highly flammable when dry. Lightning is the biggest culprit of forest fires in this region. With just one strike and at the right time, the forest floor covering can ignite, evolving into a wildfire.
Every so often we listen to the news and are informed about a forest fire that is raging and threatening, devouring sometime millions of acres in its path. What we are not informed about is that this is a natural process; a process God uses to replenish the Earth. The Jack Pine assists in this measure. Unlike most cones, the mature cone of a Jack Pine is resinous and closed. The scales are closed and will only open in extreme heat (120-140 F). The process of opening is most likely to happen from a forest fire, which can occur between 5-30 years. When heated, the resin on the pine cone melts away allowing the scales to extend outward and down. Like a lever, the scales expel the seed contained within. The seeds then embed into the forest floor, resulting in a group of trees. Jack Pines are the most likely trees to grow after a forest fire, and all because God designed them to reproduce quickly after a catastrophe to replenish the area.
May times we view fire as destructive. However, fires can be used for many good things. Spiritually, God uses fire to change us and bring life to us and others. God tells Israel through Isaiah in Isaiah 48:9-10, "For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. There are things in our lives that are not pleasing to God. It is through God's chastening hand or through difficulties in life that these are removed. None of us like going through the fire; but as Christians, we look forward to when we become more like Christ. Job is a example of a man who looked forward to this. His words are found in Job 23:8-10, "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
When we become more like Christ, our lives become more fulfilling. Others, saved and unsaved, begin to desire the joy and happiness we exhibit. They start asking questions and comparing their lives with ours. It is then that many become Christians, but they have to see a change in us first. The truth is none of us like the fire, but God brings it to us to make our lives more pure. If you are currently going through a trial, you may view your life as a scorched forest; but just remember, it had to happen to make the forest pure again and to provide life for you and others.
In Christ,
Pastor Jon
Philippians 2:15
I needed this one... thanks brother!
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