MONDAY APRIL 18, 2022.

Developing Roots Against The Storm.

Scripture Reference: Colossians 2:6-8.

Exposition:

Roots are the part of the plant which attach the whole plant to the ground and carry water and nutrients to the rest of the plant via a system of tissues. Damaged roots can cause buds and twigs to immediately die, weakening the plant. The weakened plant may then begin to show decline symptoms such as lack of vigour and reduction in growth.

Plants are a recurring motif of significant metaphors about spiritual growth and our relationship with Jesus throughout the Bible. The use of plants and roots in these instances are symbolic of our connection to Christ, the necessity of it, the advantages of being rooted and what happens if we’re not rooted in Christ but are rooted in something else. Our scripture reading for today admonishes us to continue to be deeply rooted, strengthened and built up in Christ even as we have come to Him.

Roots are essential for the plant to have life, likewise a connection with Christ is a necessity if we are to have a full spiritual life. Just as plants exhibit signs of life depending on the health of their roots, we can exhibit Christ-like qualities if we draw our nourishment from Him and His teachings.

Without adequate nourishment from its life-source, a plant withers and dies. What the metaphors of plants with bad roots or no roots reveal to us is that if we remain disconnected from Christ, then we will be unable to access life to its fullest. We become much more susceptible to being dragged into negativity without an anchor to provide stability during times of turbulence. Let us therefore be grounded in Christ.

Prayer Guide: Pray for grace to be deeply rooted in Christ.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK:

John 15:5 (NIV) – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”