Becoming Oaks of Righteousness

Did you know that most oak trees don’t begin producing acorns until they’re around twenty years old—and according to the University of California’s agriculture bulletin, their peak production doesn’t come until they’re between fifty and eighty? I find that fascinating, especially when I read Isaiah 61.

In that chapter, the prophet speaks of people transformed by God’s Spirit—those who were once broken, bound, or grieving. They are restored and renamed:

“…They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3, NIV)

That image is powerful. These people are no longer weak or withered—they’re deeply rooted, strong, fruitful, and enduring. Like oaks, they stand tall through the seasons, not for their own glory but to display the beauty and faithfulness of God.

Isaiah goes on to say that these “oaks” will rebuild ancient ruins, restore devastated places, and renew ruined cities. They’re not passive; they’re productive. Their righteousness expresses itself in action—reviving what’s broken in the world around them.

Now, think about how that connects to our own lives—especially how we view retirement and productivity. Our culture teaches that after fifty or sixty, we deserve to slow down, relax, and make life all about us; play golf, vacation on cruises, play pickleball. While there is nothing wrong with these activities per se, if our days are consumed with such activities, we are not living like mighty oaks. Isn’t it interesting that oak trees—the symbol God chose for mature strength—do their best work between ages fifty and eighty? That’s the same age range where many of us begin to check out.

Why do we turn off our minds and step away from our calling just when we’ve gained the most wisdom and experience? Research shows that many people hit their most productive years after fifty. A 2018 Harvard Business Review study found that the average age of successful startup founders is forty-five. Nobel laureates, CEOs, inventors—many achieve their greatest impact later in life. Even history tells the same story: Peter Drucker wrote his best work in his nineties. Ray Kroc started McDonald’s at fifty-two. Ronald Reagan led his country in his seventies.

So what about us—those called “oaks of righteousness”? Shouldn’t our later years be our most fruitful for God’s kingdom? The years when we’re most seasoned, steady, and wise are the very years we should be pouring ourselves out—proclaiming good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, freeing those held captive, comforting those who mourn.

As you plan for the future, ask yourself: Will your later years be devoted to leisure and self-indulgence, or will you use your strength, wisdom, and resources to build God’s kingdom?

Let’s not retire from righteousness. Let’s bear fruit right through the “oak years,” when our roots are deepest and our fruit sweetest.

“The purpose of life is not to arrive safely at death, but to live fully for the glory of God until your very last breath.”