A place in the shade . . .

Several years ago I cut down a large bush that was growing in the center of our back yard. To my surprise I found that a maple tree was growing up right in the middle of that bush. The trunk of the maple was curved and misshapen from growing up entangled among the many branches of the bush. I decided to give the tree a chance and see how it would develop now that it had been set free. Today that maple tree stands about eighteen feet tall and the trunk is almost perfectly straight. It has become a beautiful tree.

I can only imagine what might have happened to that tree if it had continued to grow up with the bush that held it captive. By now it may have outgrown the bush, which stood about ten feet tall when I cut it down, but would the maple tree have develop the strong and hearty branches that is has today? Would the trunk have straightened itself as it has? Most likely the bush would have continued to restrict the maple further deforming its shape by choking the life out of it.

Isaiah 61 opens with words that are familiar to many of us. Jesus read from this passage in the synagogue; “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor . . .” When Jesus finished reading, He told those present that Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled that very day (see Luke 4:18-21). Jesus made it clear as He read Isaiah’s prophecy that He had come to release those held captive, to give sight to the blind, to bring freedom to the oppressed, to make known the year of God’s favor and grace.

Jesus did not read Isaiah’s entire prophecy, just the first two verses of chapter 61. I find it interesting to see what the Lord spoke through Isaiah revealing what God would do with those who were set free during this time of the Lord’s favor.

• . . . For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.
  Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

God has set us free to stand tall and strong. This is not so people will be impressed with us, but with the Lord who has planted us; God gets all the glory. How does that happen? Well one thing I know about oak trees is they grow tall providing a great place of shade from the heat of the sun. Like my maple tree, as we grow strong in the Lord others will take notice of the change. God has set you free; now grow tall and straight for all to see and find a cool place to rest in the favor of the Lord.