Day 16 – Oak

(Quercus)

“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 ESV

Isaiah wrote this message of hope to God’s people, the Israelites, mourning in Zion. However, it can be confidently applied to everyone who has faith in Jesus. Many times, the enemy sows doubt for us to believe we are incapable and weak. But God tells us different; He ensures us that we are oaks, strong and firm because of Him as our foundation. Amid Israel’s mourning, the Lord gave them the image of a tree. From the beginning of time, a tree has been a symbol of life. I love how, in our brokenness, God reminds us through Isaiah that we have new life and can have joy in Him. Trials, tribulations, and mourning compares to nothing because we have Jesus Christ with us who made us righteous.

The symbolism of the oak is that we are solidly founded in Jesus because He is our righteousness. They are not called “mighty oaks” for nothing when realise and remember the solid foundation in righteousness and why they are planted – that God may be glorified.

Prayer: Father, thank You that even in our mourning, You call us oaks of righteousness because you give us beautiful headdresses, oil for gladness, and garments of praise so we can be solidly founded to bring You glory. Thank You that we can find our strength through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza