Root

 I was thinking about roots today.  Mainly because the Chrsitmas tree we bought last year was one with roots and in January we planted it in a large pot and put it out in our back yard.  It grew well and this year we lugged the pot inside, wrapped it in something festive and decorated the tree.  It is just a nice size and looks lovely but I have been a bit worried about how the tree will be coping with the massive change in temperature and how often I should be watering it.  I really want it to survive for many Christmases to come.

Taking 5 this afternoon in front of the tree

My tree probably wont grow too much more because its roots will have already reached the limits of the pot its in.  And that's fine because I dont want a huge tree - the size it is now will do nicely.   But most trees, if planted in the ground, will send out roots either deep, or wide, or both.  Scientists are now saying that the root system of a forest enable trees to communicate with each other.  Roots enable a tree to be anchored so that they can weather storms and grow incredibly tall  (tallest tree in the world 380 feet!!! Deepest roots, wild figs with roots going 400 feet down!!!)  

And then of course there is the obvious fact that roots are the way the tree gets its nutrients.

Jesus is the root, the shoot and the branch. The Bible describes Him as all three as a way of explaining that He is the source , the structure and the fruit of our lives if we place our trust in Him. Eph 3:17 tells us that we too can be rooted in Jesus and in Romans 11:17 we learn

'But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.'  

As we grow in Christ our roots will continue to go deeper and our branches reach further.  But like my Christmas tree, if our roots are confined and we become pot-bound we will inevitably become bonsai versions of the people God wants us to be.  As we contemplate moving into a New Year lets take a moment to ask Him if we need to be potted on to a bigger space.  Maybe we need to de-clutter our lives, move to a new job, move house, shed some relationships or develop new ones.  Perhaps we need to accept a new challenge or break an old habit.  Whatever it takes to keep growing stronger and taller and deeper and wider let's do that.