"...to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified" Isaiah 61:3
Why do you think God calls us an “oak of righteousness”? Why an oak tree? Why does He call us a tree of “righteousness”?
The original Hebrew language calls us not only a “tree of righteousness,” but an “oak tree of righteousness.” Oak trees are one of the strongest trees. Their trunks are very sturdy and the roots go deep and wide. They live long, grow tall, and are hard to knock over even in a storm. They also sustain a rich variety of animal life dwelling within them. We are called an oak tree in order to communicate that when we are in Christ, we will be sturdy, have a firm foundation, and will remain standing even in the storms of life. Isaiah 43:2 tells us that whether in high waters, raging rivers, or fire, He will be with us and protect us.
It is not for sure that Isaiah was considering the fact of animal life dwelling in this kind of tree. However, historically we can see that when Christians walk with God and follow His will, He brings blessing through them to even the non-believers around them. For example, orphanages were first begun by believers sharing the love of God to the fatherless.
This metaphor also describes us as having deep and wide roots. Psalm 1:3 further describes this symbolism of roots. “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and shoes leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” When we walk in God’s Truth, His Word will nourish and strengthen us. Thus, we will bear fruit in our character and in our witness to others (Acts 1:8). God will pour out His blessing on us and we will prosper with a heart of contentment, joy, peace, and satisfaction.
The Lord says that we will display His righteousness. Psalm 45 is a prophetic Psalm about Christ. In verse 3 and 4, we see similar words used in Isaiah 61:3. “Clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness.” Verse 7 says that God loves righteousness and anoints us with the oil of joy.
God truly desires us to display His splendor by letting His righteousness, truth, humility, and joy shine forth from us.
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