Trees of Righteousness

“…that they might be called trees of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”

(Isaiah 61:3)

There is nothing more refreshing and relaxing than walking through the forest and considering all the variety of trees. Each tree is distinct from the others, in height, size, foliage, and bark, and yet, each one has some characteristics that are the same as the others- roots, trunk, and branches.

The Scripture uses the metaphor of the tree to describe those who are the LORD’s. If any are the LORD’s it is because they have been planted in Christ by the Father Who is the Husbandman, John 15:1. It is because they are of the seed that was sown in the life and death of the LORD Jesus that they spring up unto eternal life and are called trees of righteousness, Matthew 13:31-32. This is not a righteousness that they have personally produced but one appointed and imputed by God, through the obedience of the LORD Jesus unto death and revealed by the Holy Spirit in their heart, which then causes them to submit to Christ and His imputed righteousness alone, in all grace and humility: [1 Peter 1:2, Romans 10:3-4].

One old writer wrote: “Like trees that are well planted; whose root is in Christ, whose sap is the Spirit and his Grace, and whose fruit is good works; and that they might appear to be good trees, and of a good growth and stature, and be laden with the fruits of righteousness, and be truly righteous persons, made so by the imputation of Christ's righteousness to them: "the planting of the LORD" planted by Him in Christ and in His church and so never to be rooted out.”

One thing about trees in the forest is that although some are growing within feet of each other, they grow together, not against each other. Believers have been planted in Christ in various parts of the world and where you find them together; there is oneness and unity of mind and heart with each other and a desire to grow in Grace and the knowledge of the LORD as revealed in His Blessed Gospel: Ephesians 4:13-15.

A tree trunk also tells an interesting history. Perhaps a strong wind or some erosion may have caused it at one time to lean or bend but where there is that strong root, it will continue to grow upward drawn by the light of the sun. Even so, it is with believers. In looking at their Spiritual trunks, you will certainly see notches, bends and curves from the afflictions and trials of life and effects of sin. Nevertheless, being planted in Christ, they continue to grow upward, nurtured by the Son and blessed by Him.