To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
Dear Ones: Great Oaks! The Lord Jesus quoted this verse in Luke 14:18 because He is Messiah and came to rescue mankind from the tyranny of death, sin, and the grave. These wonderful promises belong to every Christian because we have been grafted into the Vine. Romans 5:17, NLT, explains it this way, “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”
His gift of righteousness transforms us to be like great oaks that were planted for the Lord’s glory. When the storms of life race across the land, the oak trees withstand the assault. Their roots systems hold firm even in the fiercest of winds. Christians are like the great oaks with our root system anchored in Christ—Our Solid Rock.
Paul warns us in 2 Timothy 3:1, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” However, the promises contained in this verse assure us that the mourning and troubles won’t last forever. He gives us a crown of beauty to replace the ashes of mourning. Joyous praise wipes away despair. Because He is our Savior, we are like the great oaks that are still standing when the storms are just a distant memory.
You are one of the Lord’s great oaks: an overcomer that is anchored in Christ. The situations you face today will soon be a distant memory. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is always with you, so cling to Him as the storm rages and passes over. Consider the oak trees as you drive by them. And remember they are still standing after weathering many storms. Have a great week. I bless you in Jesus’ name.