As I was preparing to write, I asked God what He wanted to say. Immediately, I heard, “Oak”…so I googled the word and learned a little about them.
I know oaks are in scripture…but this morning I wondered why. What makes them so special compared to other trees? There must be something we should learn about them.
Upon my initial investigation, I learned this about their growth and root system…
When an acorn first sprouts, there is rapid root development and very little growth above ground. This initial root is a taproot extending deep underground for dependable moisture. In fact, the tree’s first few years are focused on establishing a deep sustaining root system.
Wow. Suddenly I see why God had me investigate Oaks this morning.
These trees are showing us how things should be done. When we come to Christ, the first objective and focus of our life should be establishing a deep sustaining root system. This is found in Christ. In relationship with Christ. In learning more about God and His ways. In discovering His character. In reading the Word. When we take a lesson from the oak tree, we see that the first season of the tree is building where nobody can see the growth. We should take pointers from these oaks.
God is the “dependable moisture” our root system should be tapping into.
The thing that I am most disheartened about, in regard to, Christian church culture is the lack of discipleship and time for developing true character and personal relationship with God.
I wonder how different your life might be if you took a season and focused on the “underground” growth. That is exactly what our family has been doing. It’s been extraordinarily valuable. We’ve been focused on growing our children with deep roots in the Lord, so no matter what the world throws at them, they will have a firm foundation. A strong root system.
We desire for our whole family to grow into giant Oaks of righteousness, and in order to do so, each of us must have strong and sturdy roots.
Let’s take a look in the mirror. Ask yourself, when did you last grow for the sake of rooting, not showing. When did you last reach into the depth of God and seek to know Him in ways that only you would know.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3
Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. By this He meant the Spirit, Whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:38-39
365 Days in the Presence 