Trees of Righteousness

In Isaiah 61:1-3 quoted below, we see a multitude of reasons why Christ came the first time.  When we read some of the reasons, the first is “…to preach good tidings unto the meek…”  We are also told in Luke 19:10, He “…is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Saviour, then Christ got His “good tidings” “preached” to us when we were meek and lost.

              During the Christmas season, it is so easy to be distracted by the “goings on” around us.  Yet, in our Salvation, we as individual CHRISTians, and as a Church are to Glorify God  in all that we do.  To participate in these “goings on” is not wrong, it is that in doing so, we must Glorify God.

              A lot of time will be spent concerning whether this is the “CHRISTmas Season” or is it a “Holiday Season.”  I would prefer it to be called what it has been called, “The CHRISTmas Season.”  Yet, our efforts ought to be getting the story of The Birth of Christ to every person we know.  

              Our CHRISTmas Cards ought to reflect the Bible we call God’s Word.  (We as CHRISTians ought to reflect CHRIST in all we do.)

              Emphasize Christ’s birth, but tell of the day He bore our sins, died on that “Old Rugged Cross,” was buried, and on the third day God raised him up from the grave, so that those who accept God’s Son, Jesus, will have everlasting life.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

              Jesus came that we might “…be called trees of righteousness...”  Why did Isaiah compare us to a tree?  Because a tree can represent many sizes, many shapes, and a multitude of strengths, yet, they all represent God.  We are made into something that the world can see and should reflect God’s purpose for His Son.  Are you that tree, a tree that regardless of your color, your shape, your strength, reflects God’s intent, His will for you?   This is something you as a CHRISTian must answer for yourself.  As a “whosoever” described in John 3:16, do you believe that God has raised Him from the dead? 

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

              God asks for two things from you: “confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus” and do you, “…believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead…”  If you can answer both with “Yes,” God will save you eternally with Him and His Son, Jesus.  

Bro John R. E Chastain

Isaiah 61:1-3  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;  (2)  To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;  (3)  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.