Gleam of morning of 02/11/2016 : The oak imposing - By Paul Calzada

Good reading and good listening on CJQS, your Radio Gospel at this address : http://cjqsrado.blogspot.be/p/radio.html and do not forget the emission Force Gospel at 16 am to Quebec, 21 h in Europe or 23 h in Africa. Come numerous bless you the ears with the listening of this emission where you will hear of very beautiful pieces chosen in English and French. Be blessed.

"Abraham came and dwelt among the oaks of Mamre ... built there an altar to the Lord" (Genesis 13:18).

 

The oak is mentioned in the Old Testament. This tree symbolizes strength, power, longevity. Its wood, hard and tough, has long been used for framing. The strength of oak beams is not overrated. There he was not an indication of what God wants for us : to be strong, firm in the faith, unwavering, united with each other to carry the burdens of one another ?
In the Bible, the oak is often associated with a geographical location (Moreh Mamre Shechem Paran Zaanannim, Tabor, Bashan ...). It is therefore a landmark, it sets a limit, it is like a signpost. As such, he invites us to be believers marking a territory, a place, for us to be visible witnesses of the Lord, where we are.

At the foot of the oaks of Mamre Abraham will meet the three messengers sent by God (Genesis 18.1). In this case, the oak symbolizes both the encounter and revelation. Like these oaks, are we not called to be believers who, by their presence in the world, allow men to meet the Lord, and the revelation of his plan of salvation.
In the fable of the oak and the reed of Jean de la Fontaine, we find one of the characteristics of the oak mentioned in many verses speaking of the oaks of Bashan: pride, inflexibility, sufficiency. (Isaiah 2.13; Zechariah 11.2). This brings us to remember that we must beware of any form of pride. Our strength drawn in Christ, we must not make pretentious and inflexible; never forget this wonderful truth.

The heathen nations surrounding Israel, offered, under every green tree, worship different idols. Israel has been led to such practices, and God points out with sadness : "Under every thick oak, where they burned incense to all their idols" (Ezekiel 6.13). Oak, instead of recalling the greatness of the Creator, became a place of worship of the forces of nature. God forbid we have a confused testimony, no idol finds place in our lives.

The vitality of the oak is emphasized by being able to give back the shoots when he was shot dead (Isaiah 613). Similarly, we can go through terrible trials, but the grace of God can meet us. As the apostle Paul said : "We are struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4.9). That you just experienced very hard times, take heart, God will give you strength and vigor.

My prayer on this day :

It's in you only what Lord my strength. May my life be a reflection of your glory, to guide you to those who are lost.

Paul Calzada