Rooted

I once had a garden set back by the woods. Over the years, it yielded a profuse variety of weeds but little edible produce. I dreaded preparing the soil each spring. Under the surface of the garden grew thick, yellow, vine like roots. I don’t know precisely what they were, or which forest tree they originated from but they became my nemesis. For the sake of my garden I knew they had to go. But those roots held on as though their lives depended on it. It was a battle between roots and zucchini. Dear reader, I’m sad to say, the roots won. Those squash didn’t stand a chance. I lost out on some home grown veggies but I really did respect the tenacity of those roots.

Jesus told a crowd of people a parable about a sower who went out to sow seed. His disciples asked him, “What does this parable mean?” Jesus explained it to them in terms of seed and soil. The seed is the word of God. The different types of soil are representative of how the word is received. Some seed is snatched away before taking root, some lands in rocky soil with roots that never go deep, and some are choked by thorns. In Luke 8:15, Jesus says “But the seed in the good ground-these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring produce fruit.”

Once we receive the word, how do we hold on to it? We need to develop roots; roots that go down deep. Colossians 2:6-7 says “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

The Spirit of Jesus works in us to cultivate the soil of our hearts. When the seed lands on good soil, it dies. And yet something new springs forth- something that can produce much fruit as we continue to grow in Christ. Friends, growing deep roots takes effort on our part. It doesn’t just happen.

As we prepare for Sunday, consider: Is the soil of your heart prepared to receive the word? Are your roots growing deep as your faith flourishes? What does Jesus want to prune in you? Do you know that he will work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure? He wants us to yield fruit, a hundred fold! Let’s continue growing in the grace and knowledge of our Savior all the days of our lives.

Natalie