The Stone and the Oak: Renewing Our Covenant
When Joshua gathered Israel at Shechem, he placed a stone under an oak tree as a lasting witness to their covenant with God (Joshua 24:26–27). The stone would “hear” their promises, and the oak would stand as a living reminder of God’s enduring presence. The stone symbolized permanence: a solid witness to the people’s vow to serve the Lord. Yet, over time, Israel faltered. The very stone that was meant to remind them of faithfulness became a silent testimony to their failure. In the New Covenant, this symbol finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Living Stone and Cornerstone of our faith (1 Peter 2:4–6). He does not merely witness our commitment; He upholds it. Through His grace, our hearts of stone are made alive by His Spirit. The oak tree, deeply rooted and enduring, stood near God’s sanctuary: a sign of strength and life. In Christ, that image blossoms fully: He is the Tree of Life (Revelation 2:7), offering eternal communion with God. The Cross, often called “the tr...