Uncommen: SowSample

Rooted to the Vine

A healthy plant root becomes part of a conventional system, absorbing nutrients from its surroundings. Trees exhibit a visible portion, while many plants remain hidden. “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1) From the roots of Jesse, generations become fruitful, thus bearing our Savior Jesus Christ. Fruitfulness fulfills our souls.

As the leaves blossom and tender shoots arise, we know the throes of winter are shaking things loose. Like the plants, we shake loose the old ways of life, springing into a new life born again in Christ. It is impressive to watch the plants grow, just like it is also amazing to watch our friends mature in Christ. (John 15:5–10) We glorify God when we become fruitful. Our conduct and our character exemplify the love of Christ.

The Apostle Paul reveals the fruits “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23) Against these things, there is no law. You won’t get in trouble for being kind! Be unique in a day of outrage and offense. Leading a fruitful life as a Christian means we are ambassadors of Jesus, to lead of life worthy of His dying for us. Ultimately, to be excellent means being rooted in and connected to the vine. Jesus expresses He is the vine, and we are his branches. Jesus is our life-giving nutrient.

Plants need the same nutrients we do. When one part of the roots becomes separated from the nutrients, the plants fade, wither, and can do nothing. Sounds familiar? Our spiritual health also withers apart from God’s Word. Tending to our soul and garden requires work and effort. Without solid roots, everything withers. Our souls and plants never really arrive, and everything is fatigued. It is the equivalent of holding a beach ball underwater against crashing waves and rising tides. I know this all too well as I have been through it. Multiple times, as if I didn’t learn from the first experience, I had to do it a second time and a third time for a wake-up. Our withered souls become fatigued.

Soul fatigue becomes the relentless pursuit of hurry and busyness. Our will grows weary, and our souls are fatigued. Even as we speak today, I know we are all experiencing it somehow. All of this becomes the perfect storm as every element comes together and collides. It separates us from God, ourselves, and the ones we love most. Then we are distanced from everyone. We become estranged from what we love most, God’s creation.

Questions and Challenge:

How do you see the vine and branches metaphor working in your relationship with Jesus?

Is your living worth Jesus dying for?

My challenge is to address how you are tending your garden and the condition of your soul.