They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendour.

Notice in this wonderful text:

  • Planting: No-one makes themselves into a Christian. Conversion – with all that it entails – is a work of God (and for the glory of God, as we will see). It can never be a ground of boasting (Eph.2:8-10);
  • Standing: ‘Righteous’ people (those made right with God, and therefore endeavouring to live right by His power) become strong, sturdy, immoveable by the grace of God. They are ”strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph.6:10). They are called, and enabled, to ”stand” (Eph.6:11,13,14);
  • Exhibiting: Believers are ”…God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph.2:10). They display His ”splendour” – not their own. As people respond in repentance and faith to the ”good news”, they become these saved, healed, delivered, freed, sighted, comforted, beautiful, joyful, praising people (look back through the preceding verses): God’s own work for God’s own glory. Beautiful ”oaks” pointing upward to their great Creator.

PRAYER: In my life, Lord, be glorified