Are you greater than the One who created you?

A ridiculous question and yet we often take on tasks that are only meant to be handled by a righteous God, or we take credit for the wisdom and justice that flows through our lives. These are both wrong postures to take. We are not becoming a god. Can I suggest that we learn to rest in God’s sovereignty and trust His voice to move us when we need to move?

Isaiah 10:15(NASB)

Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it?

I love living and moving in the Kingdom of God. We should be actively advancing the cause of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. God is the One who gives us the ability to do just those things. He has given us life, breath and even the desire to pursue Him! He has brought salvation through Jesus His Son. He has put the Holy Spirit inside of us to lead and guide us throughout this journey on Earth. Reflection on those things alone causes praise to well up inside of me!

But, He has more to offer… the question is, can we handle it without pride rising up?

Isaiah 61:3 (NASB)

So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord.

I believe this is interesting terminology that this writer chose to use. It’s a figure of speech calling us a tree. Not just any tree though, a mighty righteous oak. So, Isaiah under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says, you will be known by your strength for you will have a root system that goes really deep enabling you to stand during crazy storms of life. Isaiah undoubtedly had heard the story of when Abraham parted company with Lot, he moved his tent and came and dwelled in Hebron by the great Oaks of Mamre.  He would have been familiar with these immense trees, maybe even lounging under them to keep out of the scorching sun. Like the oak we are to be a shade for people, to keep the sun from harming them. We are called to offer shelter for God’s people and also to the world as they ask for it. We will be given the ability to walk in a right relationship with the holy God. Jesus acquired this for us through the cross.  A righteous standard is laid out for us to walk by, it is outlined for us in the Bible.

God brings this beauty and glory to His people. The above scripture speaks of us being planted by the Lord. He is our Creator. He is the One who gives us life and who causes us to grow into what He has purposed for us to be! That is being a planting of the Lord.  Let’s be filled with gratitude and give Him the glory!

A word of the Lord

You will be as the great oaks of Mamre. I will make sure of this. I will cause you to stand strong in times of despair and adversity. Raise your head up… you are beautiful in my eyes. A planting of the Lord, I did this for a display of my glory and splendor.