Oaks Of Rightousness

So that they will be called oaks of righteousness, 

a planting of the Lord to display his beauty. Isaiah 61:1-3 

The coastal live oaks of California where I grew up lead hard lives. Long periods of drought are punctuated by seasons of torrential rainfall. In the parched periods, the oaks seek any bit of moisture they can lick up from the dry soil. In the wet periods, they cling tightly to the earth so they are not swept away. Their limbs bear witness to the passing of troubled times with a twisted and gnarled frame. Yet God provides for them. Unlike Midwestern oaks, their leaves are stunted and waxy, perfectly designed to retain moisture in the lean years. And in their own way, they display the glory of carrying out the purpose for which He created them. 

We live hard lives. I am not saying that they are lives without joy, but our lives are hard. We are born into this world enemies of God, not wanting to hear His voice or bow to His will. Even if we are blessed through word and sacrament to have our hearts captured by the Holy Spirit, we are 

still in constant warfare. The evil one simply will not leave us alone. He harasses us on every turn trying to win us back for his kingdom of darkness. Too often, our sinful nature leads us by the nose back into his temptations and traps. Then, when we have been duped, we succumb to the flood of guilt and shame and remorse. And all along the path, the people of this world, the evil one’s cheerleaders, are trying to discredit any hope we do have. It is not paranoia to say that the world is out to get us. We believers live hard lives even if we are not persecuted on the same level that the prophets and apostles were. 

So how do we make our stand? How do we live boldly in the face of such opposition? We take joy and comfort and strength in who we are in Christ. We are oaks of righteousness. God, in Christ, has declared us righteous, not guilty before His heavenly court. While we have not yet been made righteous, His verdict in our favor cannot be revoked. We have been justified. We can assault the evil one with the truth. You foolish fallen angel, in baptism I am a child of God. Through faith, I know I am redeemed, forgiven, and cleansed. You have no right and no standing to accuse me because it is Christ who condemns. And He is the one who died so that I would be free from guilt, shame, remorse, and even death. Go peddle you lies elsewhere. I am no weak poplar. I am an oak of righteousness displaying the glory of God through His protection and preservation of me. This is our confidence. This is our witness. 

Yes, like the live oaks, time has worn and gnarled us. We have times when our strength is sapped. But if the bedrock we anchor ourselves to is Christ crucified for us, we cannot be moved. Stand up, stand up, for Jesus, you mighty oaks. 

Blessings, 

Frank Van Brocklin 

Principal Teacher 

Upcoming on the Immanuel Lutheran School calendar:

❖ On December 15, 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM, students in Mrs. Routhieaux’s class will be hosting a babysitting service as a fundraiser for their Discover America trip. 

❖ After school basketball practices continue with A-team practices on Mondays, B-team practices on Tuesdays, and joint practices on Thursdays. Games will start in January. ❖ Please join us for our Children’s Christmas Service, December 22, starting at 6:30 PM. If you cannot make it, you are also welcome to join us for our dress rehearsal at 8:30 AM the same day. 

❖ Please keep Morgan Routhieaux in your prayers as she deliberates on her divine calls here at Immanuel and now at Divine Savior Academy in Doral, Florida.