Key scripture- “He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:8).

If you had to describe yourself, are you like a tree whose leaves are dried up that is not producing fruit or are you a tree whose leaves are green and flourishing that produces fruit year round?

Have you ever seen trees in the desert? They are usually small, gnarled, and look like they are barely hanging on. That is what describes us when we worry, fret, live in sin and are far from God. But watch what happens as you approach a stream of fresh water. As you get near the bank of the stream, which is the Word of God, the trees are suddenly green, tall, and strong, and often there are flowers and fruit on the trees.

In Hebrew, ‘Oaks,’ or terebinth trees, are lofty, strong and magnificent trees. In the Bible they are symbolical of men and women who are strong in righteousness, who are not bowed down and bent over like a reed because of sin and calamity. When the Bible refers to “oaks of righteousness” it is referring to people who are distinguished for their righteousness and justice.

What makes a person an oak of righteousness is their roots go down deep and draw from the water in the stream. The Prophet Jeremiah knew that when he wrote today’s Key scripture, and so did the Psalmist when he described this type of person as, “a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither, who prospers in all that he does” (Psalm 1:2). But if you are like me you are probably thinking, “How do I become an ‘oak of righteousness?'” Simple, this type of person does not: (1) walk with the wicked; (2) stand with the sinners; or (3) sit with the scoffers, but instead he delights and meditates on the law of the Lord. (Psalm 1:1).

The stream represents the Word of God and when you realign your life and turn away from those things that are putting the world’s value system into your mind, and you fill your life with things that saturate your heart and mind with God’s Word, then one day you will suddenly realize that your spiritual life is healthy and thriving, and that you are growing into a mighty oak of righteousness, because your roots have gone deep into the Word of God. You will be firm, solid, and well rooted, and bringing forth fruit that is suitable to the soil that you are planted in, which is the soil of righteousness. Even better, the leaves of your tree will remain green even in times of severe drought and severe heat. You will remain spiritually healthy even in tough hard times and you will produce fruit – peace, patience, love, gentleness, kindness, forgiveness, meekness, and self control – that feeds you and others spiritually.

God is inviting you to come and get to know Him as you drink in His Word, and let Him make you a mighty oak of righteousness. Are you ready to accept His invitation?

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I want to be a mighty oak of righteousness, like a great towering tree that always stands for what is right. I know that since I stand on Jesus, the solid rock, my feet are firmly planted and well-rooted, and I will bring forth fruit that is pleasing to You because the soil that I am planted in, is in Your garden, and I am under Your personal care. No matter how old I am, and no matter what is going on in my life, I will always produce fruit and be vital and green and flourish for Your Kingdom. I want my love, my relationship, my confidence, my trust, and my faith in You to develop and grow in me so that I am always producing fruit and I am a spiritual giant that brings glory to You. I will chew on Your Word day and night so that Your Righteousness is always in bloom in my life. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.