The strongest trees take longer to grow. Oak trees grow for almost 50 years to become a mature, fruitful tree. They live to be over 700 years old. Their roots go deep. They aren’t easily overcome by disease, fire, or environment.
In the family crests and shields of centuries of warriors, the oak tree was prominently portrayed. It meant “enduring, stalwart, and faithful.” It represented a man who showed up, a man you could count on in battle. A man not easily moved by circumstance or context.
When Jesus read Isaiah 61 to proclaim the launch of his work on earth, he said of his followers: they would rebuild and restore, heal the sick and set captives free – and then he said, “They will be called oaks of righteousness.”
We are called to be like an oak tree ... strong, enduring, faithful and stalwart. But never forget, the strongest trees take longer to grow. Don’t get impatient with the process of becoming a mature, brave man.
Stay grounded, work the roots of your faith deep, and stay faithful. Commit to the process - you’re becoming an oak of righteousness.
Majoring in Men is about the process of discipling stalwart men. It’s what we’re doing in over 100 nations. We are committed to the process. Because the process is always about Jesus.
