Roots

Woodsmen estimate the root spread of some trees equal the spread of their branches. Perhaps one-tenth of a tree, they suggest, is concealed in its roots. The combined length of the roots of a large oak would total several hundred miles.

A good root system serves two purposes in the tree’s development. It functions as an anchor and the roots collect moisture and nourishment, without which the tree could not thrive. There is an analogy between trees and our spiritual life.

Isaiah 11 tells us that Jesus came out of the roots of Jesse and that the Spirit would rest upon Him. He describes the Spirit as, The Spirit of the Lord and the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

When our Lord appeared on earth, it is said that the Spirit, without measure, was given unto Him.

We, today, are rooted in Christ Jesus our Lord and our roots draw nourishment from Him. Ephesians 3:17 "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

The result of our spiritual root system is a constant source of spiritual fruit, which supplies refreshment and joy to those with whom we associate.

We draw our nourishment for the production of fruit from our Father’s love and mercy. Our roots hold us firm and steady when the winds of adversity come our way. When Christians cease to bear the fruit of the Spirit, it is because something has happened to their roots.

The Spirit constantly teaches us and reminds us that as we abide in Christ our nourishment has an unlimited supply. The fruit that we bear is the fruit of the Spirit dwelling in us. That fruit is for the benefit of those to whom we minister. Your fruit will give them nourishment and they will desire to know the Jesus you serve.