The Oak

Since we are on the subject of trees I was drawn to do a little research of the Oak tree.  I have heard it mentioned in the bible and I have have come to the realization that if God adds detail, such as the type of a tree, there is significance in that detail........there is more to be learned. 

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.  In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Isaiah 61:3   

I, myself, do not have an oak tree in my yard.  I do know what the leaves of an oak look like, recalling my high school biology leaf collection.  Oak trees are beautiful and throughout the ages they have come to symbolize strength and courage.  The average age of a live oak is 200-300 years.  They can live to be 500 years or more.  The oldest living oak tree planted in U.S soil is thought to be over 1,000 years old with a  circumference of 37’ 2” and a canopy spread of over 150 feet.  From this, one may rightfully assume that the oak is definitely a hardy tree, with great strength to endure many years and to hold the weight of all those branches and leaves!  

What amazes me most is that the strength of this woody, manly, strong, durable tree comes from what lies beneath the soil.  Most trees have only one root system that lays shallow beneath the ground.  Our first indication that the oak is special.......it has two root systems.  The initial root of an oak tree is called the taproot.  It grows out of the adorable acorn, extending deep into the ground to gain a dependable supply of moisture.  It’s purpose is to establish the tree in its early seasons, then a fibrous root system takes over.  This more shallow system of roots lies only 18 inches below soil and it spreads horizontally 4-5 times the width of the tree’s crown.  It will supply the tree with nutrients and water for it’s lifetime.  The taproot’s main purpose, after being surpassed by this more complex system of roots, is not only to supply water during drought conditions but also to support the tree in extreme weather conditions.  

Like we mentioned yesterday, a tree with a good supporting root system will hold up to the test of time and weather.  In oak trees, a taproot will help keep it standing during high wind,  which is the special detail God based this scripture on!  God wants us to be like an oak. He wants us strong enough to stand up to the storms that we face in life!  Yes, although we are His children and we are Christians, there will undoubtedly be storms brewing along our life’s journey.  Some with hurricane force winds and others are just thunderstorms passing through or even a rain shower producing little to no wind.  God knows that we can only be truly strong when He has planted us on His solid foundation.  God is our taproot!  He is what supplies us when we are in extreme circumstances.  When we are in a drought, it is only God who can supply us with living water.  When the winds of life are too strong, it is only God who can keep us standing!  God planted me and you for His glory.  He is proud of us and encourages us to grow strong and multiply in size!  With Him as our taproot we can stand up to anything that life throws at us.   

I found one more interesting fact about the oak tree and I am sure it is just one more reason why God chose it to be symbolic of a christian.  Oaks when planted close together can share the same root system.  I don’t know about you, but that paints the most beautiful picture in my mind.  Christians standing tall together, leaning on each other, our branches reaching out and touching one another, supporting each other.  Giving each other shelter from the wind and shade from the intense heat.  Our roots, together shooting out to supply water for the thirsty and food for the hungry.  Meeting the needs of our tired friends beside us.  Our life support is one, The One!  We share the same root system in Christ!  We each have God as our taproot, living in our hearts!  

God I thank you for teaching me today!  You sent me on a mission to find the deeper meaning of your oak tree reference and I have learned so much about you.  And although you seem so complex you can tie everything important in life to one plant in nature.  One beautiful tree that you created in the first days of creation.  Knowing you is much more simple than I have ever thought possible.  I accept you as my taproot.  My strength and my nourishment in times of trouble.