Oaks of Righteousness

     Isaiah 61 starts with a prophecy of Jesus, speaking of His work bringing Good News, healing and freedom. In verse three, those that are the recipients of His efforts have this said about them, "So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (NASB)

    That term really struck me, "oaks of righteousness." What symbolism. Why an oak? Why not a birch or a cedar tree? Why an oak? Here is my perspective.

     Oaks are mighty trees. They are incredibly strong. They can withstand fierce storms. They are also very useful. Oak is one of the best woods for building with. If you build an oak dresser, you can count on it lasting hundreds of years with proper care. Oak is used in many different settings. You can use it in furniture, construction of buildings or boats, and in curing or smoking meats and cheeses, to name just a few applications.

     I believe the Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to use the oak in this verse because of the reasons just listed above. With salvation, we become incredibly strong, because we are rooted in Christ. We can withstand whatever trials and storms come our way. We can be extremely useful to Jehovah God, with each of us having a different use, because of the skills and attributes God has blessed us with.

May our Lord bless you as you grow as an Oak - Robert