Issue 866 – Well Rooted – September 28, 2022
As I walked along the river, this mass of exposed tree roots caught my eye. In some ways, trees are simple but also incredibly complex structures. Not only do they reach high towards the heavens, but their root mass can extend out as far as the tree is high.
The roots of one tree will intertwine with the roots of others nearby. In that way, each tree helps support the ones nearby, in effect acting almost like a form of community.
The roots take in minerals and water from the soil to nourish the trunk, branches, leaves and fruit overhead. The roots also act as secondary storage for those elements, particularly in areas that may experience extreme seasonal variation.
The prophet Jeremiah uses that sort of imagery.
Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:5-9
As Christians, we are rooted in all other believers because the same Holy Spirit dwells in every believer. We are also rooted in and nourished by Christ, which He makes very clear.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:1-7
Our salvation is not contingent on our efforts but through faith alone. Our spiritual growth and health require we nourish our roots, while remaining in Jesus.
We need to nourish our roots through time spent with the Lord in pray and worship; studying His inerrant word; fellowship with other believers; and obeying His commands. His Spirit brings the results, but we make an effort.
May your roots grow ever deeper and more robust in Christ.
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Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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