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Sequoia trees, on the cover of the Light magazine

In the late 18th century, a native American was born in Tennessee named Sequoya (1770-1843). He was part Cherokee and was determined to do something to preserve the Cherokee culture. This he achieved by devising a system of writing based on an alphabet of more than 80 characters that represented all the syllables of the Cherokee language. This was very successful and thousands of Cherokees learned to read and write in their new written language.

The giant Sequoia trees of America are named after this man. They thrive on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada range in California at elevations between 900 and 2,440 metres (3,000-8,000 ft). They are the largest of all living organisms ranging from 46 to 99 metres (150-325 ft) in height. One of the largest specimens is the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, California. This tree is 84m (275 ft) tall, 11m (36.5ft) in diameter and is estimated to weigh almost 2,000 tonnes. A count of the annual rings on stumps has verified the ages of some of these huge trees as 2,000 years upwards.

There are also Sequoia trees in the New Forest in England. They were planted there in 1859 and although not as large as their American cousins, some are approaching 62 metres (200 ft) in height.

There are many references to trees in the Bible, which were created by God as things of majesty, strength and beauty. There are lessons to be learned from the symbology of trees. Although there is no mention of Sequoia trees in the Bible, their characteristics of uprightness, stature, strength, and long life, remind us of the promise of God to those who are faithful to His Word. The prophet Isaiah in chapter 65 of his prophecy, describes the great changes which will take place when God’s kingdom is established on the earth. The language problems will then be solved and those who have served God faithfully will receive the wonderful gift of everlasting life.

‘…as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands.’ [Isaiah 65.22 NIV