Trees of Righteousness

Time Out for God

Devotional Ministry

By Danna Appleby

Trees of Righteousness

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. Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

Recently I heard a news story that had to do with the strong winds and rain we had been experiencing throughout the country. In one area, three large trees crashed down on a family’s home. Even though the house suffered significant damage, everyone inside was spared. It was astonishing to see the old trees lying across the house and the gigantic roots exposed and laying on top of the ground. One thing the newscaster commented on was that one of the trees still had part of its roots still anchored deep into the soil, while the roots of the other two were completely out of the ground.

Our Creator designed trees to withstand all types of weather and adverse conditions. That’s why many can live for centuries. But in order for a tree to withstand whatever comes its way, it must first put it roots down deep into the soil. If it doesn't, when strong winds come or during a drought, it can die.

The Bible likens the righteous man to trees in many instances throughout its pages. For instance, King David said he was like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God. (Ps. 52:8)

In the same way a man is likened to a tree, so must he also become rooted and grounded in God’s love. (Eph. 3:17) One thing is for sure, the righteous man can be just as fruitful as a tree planted by streams of water.

He is like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Ps. 1:3 (NIV)

We're promised that a tree of righteousness will continue to bear fruit even in its old age. As for me, I won't be satisfied to sit back being unproductive as I grow older, but want to be just as fruitful in my latter years as I am now. Maybe even more so! I'm trusting in the Lord for that. I feel like I wasted too much time in my younger years and have a lot of making up to do. How about you?

There’s no time to waste Saints. There’s work to be done and people who need help everywhere we look. There are many who need Christ and are just waiting for someone like you and me to tell them about Him. We must be busy about our Father’s work and building up the Kingdom.

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.” Ps. 92:12-15 (NIV)

The well-nourished tree of righteousness will be clothed with the Fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23)

LOVE will never fail them. (1 Cor. 13:8)

JOY will be their strength. (Neh. 8:10)

PEACE will guard their hearts and minds. (Ph. 4:7)

PATIENCE will have its perfect work. (Jam. 1:4)

KINDNESS will be their cloak. (Col. 3:12)

GOODNESS will follow them. (Ps. 23:6)

FAITHFULNESS will never leave them. (Prov. 3:3)

GENTLENESS will be evident. (Phil. 4:5)

SELF-CONTROL will keep them from falling. (Titus 2:12)

When a righteous man or woman bears fruit, the Lord is glorified. And don't we want to glorify our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all He has done for us?

Then one grand day the Lord, the righteous Judge, will present every “righteous tree” the crown of righteousness. I never thought I wanted to be a tree, but now, I want to become an Oak!

Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. 2 Tim. 4:8 (KJV)

Father, I praise you today that we can become trees of righteousness. We can become as the mighty oak tree, unbendable and unshakeable, with leaves that never wither. We will bear fruit even in our old age and whatever we do will prosper. We will bear fruit that will glorify our Father in heaven. We can be likened to that tree that’s planted by the water, sending out its roots into a refreshing cool stream, never having to worry that drought may come its way. We will receive our nutrients from the stream of Living Water that flows from the very Throne of God. We will depend on our God to help us become strong, mighty warriors of the faith. We will become Trees of Righteousness. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.