Oaks of Righteousness

The heavy slabs of concrete in the sidewalk tilted at an angle. They were displaced, not by heavy machinery, but by years of steady growth of a tree, that exerted amazing force steadily, nearly invisibly. Through icy winters and hot summers, through years of too much rain and years of drought, the oak at the side of my house has grown, now towering over our home, offering shade, a living thing that will outlive me! Growing up in Iowa, many of the farm houses that dotted the vast flat plains were surrounded by small stands of trees, purposefully planted as windbreaks. Playing among the tall trees in our 'grove,' I never gave much thought to the value and beauty of the trees someone had taken time to plant, not for their enjoyment, but to benefit the next generation.

In the book of Isaiah we read, The Lord will "provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." (61:3, NIV) The metaphor is hard for many of us to grasp. Everything around is fast. "Wait" is a despised word. We want quick solutions and instant answers. We hate to wait for anything - from the inconsequential momentary delay at the check-out counter; to the process of healing in our body. So, the idea of being an 'oak of righteousness' is nearly unfathomable. But, the work of God in us, as well as around us in our world, is often a slow process.

The Bible says that those who trust God will be known for the beauty they create, the steadiness their presence brings to the world. His Spirit exerts a powerful force in us, that over time, replaces our sinful and selfish nature with the character of Jesus Christ. If we cooperate with Him, He gives us a strength that is quite aptly illustrated by the tall oak tree that stands through storm after storm! But we must be willing to patiently wait on the Lord. "I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." (Psalm 27:13-14, NLT)

John, the disciple of Jesus who lived through the first decades of the growth of Christianity, as an old, old man had been through many trials and triumphs. Roman authorities were determined to silence him and when he was advanced in age, probably near 90 years old, they banished him to a tiny island prison called Patmos. He wrote from that place calling on those who were following Jesus to exercise 'patient endurance!' "Wait it out, don't give up, give in, or look for quick solutions." was his advice.

Make it your desire to be an "oak of righteousness." Pray that the Spirit of God will keep you rooted in Christ, growing steadily, unwavering in your commitment.

Those who "Delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night. . . .
are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and
they prosper in all they do." (Psalm 1:2-3, NLT)

Amen.