You Can Be a Strong Oak

O. T. #1706  "You Can Be a Strong Oak"
June 5, 2020
Isaiah 61-Part 2
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.  (verse 3)

LET IT GLOW


Christ was appointed to be hope and encouragement to those who come to Him by faith. His life mission was to show God's love for sinners and  ultimately give His life as a perfect sacrifice for people who would  believer in Him as Savior and Messiah.

What else was Jesus appointed to do?
He exchanges:

• beauty for ashes of repentance; in times of great mourning people would cover themselves with ashes for a sign of their condition. Only Jesus can change hearts.
• the oil of joy for mourning; instead of sorrow there will be joy in the heart that comes to Jesus.
• the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; as the burden of sin is lifted when we confess it, we praise Jesus for renewal.

Are you weighted down with the burden of sin, perhaps a secret sin? Just confess it to Jesus and let Him make your life beautiful, joyful, and praise to Him.

LET IT GROW

We have many oak trees on our farm. They have stood tall and strong against high winds that have come to us. In the latter part of this verse, Jesus refers us Christians as trees of righteousness. He plants us in churches to bring forth spiritual fruit and grace. We need each other as encouragers when the winds of life blow us here and there.

The oak tree represents greatness, strength, and a tree capable of enduring all of the adverse elements of nature. God's righteousness is that which makes His people as oak trees. (Falwell)

All of this is so God is glorified. Is our life glorifying Him?

LET IT GO
Continue to pray for each other during this pandemic. God knows what we are going through. Keep a strong faith so we glorify Him.