Larry and I planted an oak tree in our front yard about 25 years ago. It was about 12 feet tall when planted and now stands about 20 feet tall with a 5-inch diameter trunk. It hasn’t grown much. In comparison, we planted a maple tree on the east side of our house about 10 years ago. It, too, was about 12 feet tall when planted and now is about 30 feet tall with a 10-inch diameter trunk. The maple tree flaunts its vibrant red leaves in the fall, drawing the attention of many. The oak tree’s leaves that turn a dull red can’t quite compete. However, the oak tree, which clings to its leaves all winter and lets them go only when new leaves appear, can be a great inspiration.
The oak tree gives a perfect illustration of Christ, our Savior. Jesus as savior, is our protector, our preserver, and our deliverer.
Just as the oak protects and preserves the leaves, keeping them from blowing away—even in the Kansas’ winds, Christ protects and preserves us—even in our darkest, most brutal storms. Those leaves will not be crushed by the lawn mower, trampled by the cattle in the corral, or burned in the fire. As we cling to Christ our Savior and He clings to us, we won’t be crushed, trampled or burned by the storms in our lives. As Isaiah 43:2 promises us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
As savior, Christ is also our deliverer. Just as the oak tree delivers new leaves to replace the old in the spring, Jesus delivers us to new life. Jesus’ deliverance of new life begins now and continues into eternity. Clinging to Jesus, and He to us, enables us to let go of old habits and negative thoughts that strip us of joy and peace. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” (NLT)
Praise God for the gift of our Savior, Christ the Lord! As the oak leaves stay connected to the tree, let’s stay connected to Jesus, throw off the ways of the Empire, and be protected, preserved, and delivered to new life.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Following my Leader 