I have always loved trees.  There is a poem by Joyce Kilmer that I have loved since I was a child.  In her poem, “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree,” the poet talks about trees that get to look at God all day, and “lift (their) leafy arms to pray.”  This passage from Isaiah refers to “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”  Think of a towering oak tree. It’s solid. It’s safe. It offers shelter.

With the support of that tree, with Jesus, we get to be God’s hands and feet. We become that towering oak tree when we follow God’s mission. We get to do the uplifting things.

We get to bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, release from darkness the prisoners, comfort all who mourn, and bestow on them a crown of beauty. We get to offer the oil of joy, a garment of praise, rebuild the ancient ruins, and renew the ruined cities.

But when I think of our broken world, filled with sin, conflict, war, sadness, hungry people, people without housing, people for whom justice is a distant hope, I realize just how big this task is. We cannot do it alone. We need community.

My son gave me two trees. When he came to see that I had planted them at opposite ends of my property, he was so disappointed and asked me why I hadn’t planted them together. Didn’t I know that trees need each other? In my research, I learned about redwoods, which actually support each other by intertwining their roots. Community.

We need to work in community. We need to work quietly and loudly, shouting. As chapter 62 tells us, “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, For Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, ‘til her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.” (NIV).

We are all part of a community. How does your church community speak up for justice, for the numerous groups mentioned in Isaiah 61-62? What is our responsibility, and how will we, as individuals, impact our community? It takes everyone’s hands and feet!