Aug 21, 2023
Science writer Hope Jahren shares an interesting fact about plants, especially how a tiny seed starts to put down roots—the most essential thing for a plant's survival. She writes,
No risk is more terrifying than that taken by the first root. A lucky root will eventually find water, but its first job is to anchor … Once the first root is extended, the plant will never again enjoy any hope of relocating to a place less cold, less dry, less dangerous. Indeed, it will face frost, drought, and greedy jaws without any possibility of flight.
She calls taking root a big "gamble," but if the seed takes root it can go down twelve, thirty, forty meters. The results are powerful. The tree's roots can "swell and split bedrock, and move gallons of water daily for years, much more efficiently than any pump yet invented by man." If the root takes root, then the plant becomes all but indestructible: "Tear apart everything above ground—everything—and most plants can still grow rebelliously back from just one intact root. More than once. More than twice."
Where we put the "roots of our lives" is one of the
greatest indicators as to what our lives ultimately become.
The apostle Paul stresses the importance of "rooting our
lives" in Jesus and what happens when we do so, he writes:
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue
to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened
in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with
thankfulness." ~ Colossians 2:6-7
To better understand what it means to be "rooted in Jesus" make
sure and join us for a brand new sermon series through the letter
of Colossians. To learn how this all works, give a listen to part
one of, Rooted.