“…..that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3b).
Among all the kingdoms of living organisms, God has chosen plants to symbolize His people. Isaiah 5:7 describes the men of Judah as God’s “pleasant plant,” and in Isaiah 61:3, God refers to His people as “the trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD.”
While the animal kingdom may seem more advanced in evolutionary terms, God’s choice of the plant kingdom was not an attempt to reorder the classification of living things or to diminish humanity’s place in creation. Instead, He used the plant to teach us the profound connection between dedication, commitment, and fruitfulness.
Psalm 92:13 states: “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.”
To be planted means to remain steadfast. Have you ever seen a plant move? No! While plants can actually exhibit certain movements as living, they are immobile. Wherever you find a tree today, that’s where it will remain tomorrow. This is what dedication to God looks like—steadfastness. It’s not about shifting from the living God to false gods, but about staying committed to the One who sustains us.
I am confident that God will bless us this year, but the key to that blessing lies in our commitment to remain (DWELL) in Him. David, in Psalm 23:6, said: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
To be dedicated to God means being firmly planted in His presence. This is what guarantees fruitfulness and a glorious future. Jesus said in John 15:5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Only by being committed and connected to Him can we draw life from Him.
Beloved, as Ecclesiastes 9:4 reminds us: “To him that is joined to all the living, there is hope.” Make the decision this year to be planted in the house of the LORD, and you will flourish (Psalm 92:13). Do not detach from Jesus, the Vine. Stay connected, and you will remain fruitful and ever-green. Remain dedicated to God, and you will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in its season. The Scripture further promises that your leaf shall not wither, and whatever you do shall prosper (Psalm 1:3).
Until you become part of a stable kingdom and commit yourself to that Kingdom connection, fruitfulness will be out of reach. Stay connected to the source (God), and you will remain blessed.
@ afo4Jesus
Shalom!
