By Melissa McLaughlin
The sun beat on my back. Beads of sweat streamed down my forehead. My parched mouth and wilted body longed for relief.
I had planned to stretch my legs that summer afternoon and enjoy a little exercise with a quick stroll around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the sweltering heat made walking and even breathing difficult.
Just around the bend, a tall oak tree cast a broad shadow. I picked up my pace to seek refuge from the oppressive heat.
Once under the tree’s branches, I felt immediate relief. The cool shade lowered the temperature by ten degrees. A small breeze whisked my sticky hair away from my face.
I leaned against the massive trunk and breathed out.
My eyes drifted to the area around the tree. Brown stubble dotted the landscape. Yet, underneath the tree, tender grass grew lush and green. A tiny bird perched near the top offering a sweet melody while a gray squirrel lazed among the branches.
Despite grueling temperatures and drought, the oak tree stood strong, offering shelter, protection, and refreshment to other living things. I joined the plants and creatures delighting in the tree’s bounty.
A Tree is a Blessing
A tree is a great blessing in every season. Deep roots enable the tree to prevail against fierce winds, piercing sun, and frigid snow.
It’s no wonder Scripture includes metaphors about trees. A symbol of strength and longevity.
The past few weeks, our study of Isaiah 61:1-3 included a closer look at God’s redeeming work in our lives—bringing beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. This week we will conclude that passage as we consider the final phrase, trees of righteousness.
Trees of Righteousness
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted…
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Interestingly, oak trees in Israel’s biblical environment can live 700 years. (Source: All Israel News). These trees survive harsh conditions because of their extensive root system, which provides moisture, nutrients, and stability.
In addition, an oak tree can sprout fresh growth even when cut down to a stump.
As we consider our salvation in Christ, we recognize the profound spiritual applications of this metaphor. By faith in His atoning blood, Jesus purchased our righteousness. We are His planting on this earth.
God nourishes us with Christ’s life-giving water through His Word and indwelling Spirit. Abiding in Him through Bible reading, prayer, and worship, the Spirit extends our roots deep, bolstering our innermost being.
With God’s sustaining power, we can endure the storms of life. Though others may languish in this weary world, God endows believers with divine seeds of life to produce a harvest that enriches, shields, and uplifts others.
Most importantly, we desire to point others to Christ who died on a tree for our sins, offering eternal life to all who believe.
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
I am amazed and overwhelmed at God’s immeasurable gifts poured out through Christ. May we stand strong for Jesus, come what may!
Do you have a special memory of a tree? How does that remind you of God’s spiritual blessings? I’d love to hear your story!
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I have many special memories of trees. The weeping willow in the back yard of our home when I was a young girl. The tall maple trees that dropped colorful leaves in autumn. The new sprouts of pine trees that emerged after a wind storm. The shade of a big tree that allowed me to sit and read quietly. I could go on and on. I’m thankful God created trees. In each of my memories, God was there. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Melissa, thank you for sharing these precious memories of trees! Each one sounds so inviting. I love how you sensed God’s presence there. God bless you!
GM
I have yr new devotional book
Thank you
One of my fav psalms
Psalm one
The planting of the Lord
That we might be
Trees of righteousness
The planting of the Lord
Hello Mellany, thank you for ordering my new devotional book. I appreciate your support and I pray you receive a blessing from the Lord as you read! I love Psalm one, as well. I thought about listing all of the Scriptures with tree metaphors because they are so profound and encouraging. Thank you for sharing your feedback here. God bless you!
There was a big Weeping Willow tree in my grandparents’ yard. They lived on a farm with a big farmhouse. I remember how huge the tree looked to me.
Located beside the tree there was a Springhouse. My grandma would milk the cows and then put the milk cans in the spring that flowed there. It cooled the milk and kept it from spoiling.
The Weeping Willow tree thrived because of the spring. That type of tree requires a lot of water.
Jesus is the spring of living water that feeds our souls. Like the tree, we cannot survive without the living water from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
May we continue to thirst daily for the living water.
Amen! Mary Anne, what a beautiful memory, description, and spiritual application! Thank you for sharing this profound reflection! I have always loved weeping willows. One grew near the house where we lived when I was very young. Those early childhood memories keep my heart’s attachment to the tree, as I remember my carefree life back then. God’s creation gives us endless ways to reflect upon His goodness. As you say, may we always thirst for more of His living water.
Trees of Righteousness <What a blessing to read, Miss Melissa!
The strength of the Oak tree, the width, the leaves, all covering us and shielding us, like the Lord does.
Amen, dear Sis Chebba! He covers, provides for, and protects us with His mighty love. What a good, good Father!
I have always loved trees. I have always loved the poem, Trees, by Kilmer, so this devotion was a blessing. I loved the scripture: That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
I love that poem, too. There’s just something about a tree. Standing through the decades, through the storms, and providing so much for the world. It is a true blessing to be considered God’s trees of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Melissa, this study of Isaiah 61:1-3 has been so powerful. It’s a favorite passage of mine. I love how trees provide shelter and are also symbols of strength and longevity. I want to point others to Christ who died on a tree for me for God’s glorification. Blessings dear friend.
Karen, thank you for reading and sharing your insights. I have always loved this passage from Isaiah 61:1-3. Like all of Scripture, the more we dive in, the more riches we find. Trees are a great symbol and have many spiritual applications for us. May others be blessed as we stand tall for the Lord. Blessings to you, dear friend.
God Bless you for this wonderful message, Sister
Mike C
May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen you, Brother Mike, as a tree of righteousness, a planting of the Lord! Thank you for reading and sharing a word of encouragement!
My favorite tree is an Aspen. My grandfather instilled his love of trees in my mom and then me. Very inspiring Melissa and thanks.
The Aspen tree is beautiful, Yvonne! I love how your grandfather passed along his love for trees to your mom and then to you. God’s blessings are all around.
I love this. It reminds me of the shelter God provided in Jonah to teach him a lesson. I learn so much from being in the woods!
I agree, Jessica! There is much to learn from God’s creation and a simple walk in the woods. What a profound Scripture connection you made – to Jonah and the shade tree God provided. May we always be thankful for God’s many blessings!