Deep Roots

February 29, 2024

Lent 2024

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Read Ephesians 3:14-19

When I was little, growing up in our house, one thing I distinctly remember were the trees in the back of our yard. There was a whole line of evergreens separating our yard from our backyard neighbors’ house. They were huge and formed a fence between us and them. I remember asking my parents if we could cut them down so we would get to play with our neighbors’ kids in the back (they were about the same age as us). They said that we couldn’t because they were so big, and it would cost a lot of money to take down that many trees. 

Because these trees were so big, we were sure their roots had grown deep into the ground, making them into a strong wall behind our house. But one spring a few years ago, a windstorm came through and knocked down two of the trees! It was hard for me to imagine that a tree that big, with roots so deep, could get knocked down because of some wind. But my dad pointed out that the trees that fell were in the corner, where our yard met our neighbors’ yard and another family’s yard. That corner was the lowest spot for three yards and lots of water would pool up. It basically became a little pond every spring or after a big rainstorm. (Seriously—one time there was a family of ducks living there!) The water had eroded the soil the roots were supposed to be firmly growing in, so while it looked like they had deep roots, there really wasn’t much holding those two trees to the ground.

Ephesians 3:17 tells us to remain rooted in Christ’s love. By being rooted in Christ we can get nutrients which we need to grow and build up strength in our faith. But how can we know we’re really rooted in Christ and not some shallow version of faith? These verses say we can know our roots are firmly planted in Christ when we bear fruit and are able to share with other people the good news to get them rooted in faith too. Ultimately, it says when we’re rooted in Christ it will lead us to thankfulness.   

Looking back, my family can say we noticed dead branches on those trees before they fell, but we didn’t recognize them as the sign of the decay in its roots. I know when I am really rooting my life in Jesus and His Word I will be thankful to God over even the smallest things. When that’s missing I need to refocus on what He wants me to think about. 

For reflection: