This morning I had an interesting email from William, a twenty one year old student intercessory missionary. He wanted to know more of the concept of Green Trees. He had come to understand that the concept of Green Trees represent mature prophets mentoring younger prophets. Now he is asking for my help to find some Scriptures that clearly explain the concept in this way.

I had a problem. I am not familiar with the concept of Green Trees. However, I was stirred in my heart by the topic and want to explore the concept further. I sense God wants to say something to me and many others through this concept. During my recent visit to India, a prophet prophesied Psalm 92:12-15 to me. In these verses the righteous are spoken of as green trees, – full of life and vitality, – and fruitfulness.

I invite all my friends to read the request I received, the answer I gave, and to join me in exploring the concept, and sharing all insight with me.

William wrote:

The reason I am writing you is because i happend to stumble on your website in search of more information concerning Green Trees. I have already been blessed by the posts and articles you have written. In the apostolic-prophetic stream, i find it rare to hear people really have a heart and burden for true organic community. Your writings have greatly encouraged me that this is not only possible, but that it’s on God’s heart as well. I was reading a book by John and Paula Sanford entitled "Prophets, Healers, & the Emerging Church" and they mention this topic of Green Trees. They spoke of it as a place where the older prophets would come and mentor the younger prophets. I searched the bible and was unable to find a scripture that speaks really clear on this issue. I was wondering if this was something that you were familar with, and if so could you point me to some resources that further explain this concept?

Here is part of my answer:

When it comes to Green Trees, it is a new concept to me, and I can’t help you much on this at the moment! However, I must share with you that I take your enquiry as a hint from the Lord to explore the topic!

The Bible says a lot of trees, and they are images of great importance. First we have the two crucial trees in the Garden of Eden. One tree – the Tree of Life – is representing fellowship with God, total trust in him and dependency on him. The other is representing independence, individualism and rebellion. The righteous as well as ungodly are compared with different kinds of tree. In the prophetic age of the Spirit, the Messianic Age, the Age of the Kingdom, when the Spirit is poured out on all people, and when young and old, men and women, people of high or low status, will all be able to prophecy because they hear from God, even through visions and dreams; everyone can invite people to come and sit under their vines and fig trees to enjoy the presence of God and fellowship together. Debora seems to have exercised her prophetic ministry sitting under a tree, bringing the counsel of the Lord to those who came to enquire the Lord through her ministry.

Some of the Scriptures that came to my mind when reading your request were: Genesis 1:2:9,16,17; 3:1-7; Judges 4:4-5; Isaiah 61:3-4; Zechariah 3:10; Proverbs 3:18; Psalm 92:12-15.