Strong roots!

“And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.” (Mark 4:17 ESV)

Shallow roots are dangerous

Recently we had a severe storm bringing wind blasts up to 80 miles an hour and higher. It did a lot of damage throughout our community blowing down many fences and trees. Afterwards, as I drove around surveying the damage, I saw many large trees which had toppled over and their bare roots now exposed. I noticed that the trees which did not survive the storm all had something in common. Their roots had been shallow. They had not grown deep enough to hold them in place against the strong winds that came against them. The Bible passage at top says it’s similar with us. We need strong roots within ourselves, too, to help us to remain standing “when tribulation or persecution arises…”

Be rooted and grounded in love

“That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:16-19 ESV)

Be rooted and built up in Him

“Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Col. 2:7 ESV)

Therefore…

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” (Psalm 82:12 ESV)

“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.” (Jer. 17:6-8)