g: More Than a Tree

According to Wikipeidia (a collaboration of the best minds in the world, as Mr. Scott tells us):

Oaks have spirally arranged leaves, with a lobed margin in many species; some have serrated leaves or entire leaves with a smooth margin. The flowers are catkins, produced in spring. The fruit is a nut called an acorn, borne in a cup-like structure known as a cupule; each acorn contains one seed (rarely two or three) and takes 6–18 months to mature, depending on species.

Oaks are also symbols of strength and endurance, as evidenced by the fact that fourteen nations (including the US of A) claim it as their national tree. Oaks are also beautiful, arguably the most beautiful deciduous tree, with its unique leaf shape and beautiful fall foliage.

Oaks have also had a curious place throughout Scripture. Not only did Jacob bury the idols of his house under an oak, but Joshua also erected a monument under one to be a sanctuary of the Lord, Absalom caught his head in an oak and Rebekah's nurse was buried under one. These references are trivial in comparison to another:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor;

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

to grant to those who mourn in Zion-

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord,

that He may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:1-3

This passage has spurred me on, especially in the last few years. It has been a call on my life, and a call on my family. As such, we took a step in our time of healing, in this land between, and planted a Northern Red Oak in our front yard, so that He may be glorified in our life.