Deep roots take time

For a tree, a deep root system takes 10, 20, 30 years to grow. The root system serves as an anchor. By the time the tree reaches maturity, it has survived wind, rain, natural disasters.

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells a story that explains the value of a root system.

In the parable, a farmer is spreading seed that falls on 4 different types of soil. The growth of the plant is dependent on the soil. The seed that fell on the path, packed soil, was quickly snatched up by birds. The seed that fell on rocky places, grew quickly, but soon died because of lack of soil. The seed that fell among thorns, grew but later was choked out. Finally, the seed that fell on good soil produced a magnificent crop. The difference in the four seeds was the root system.

Jesus, then, turned to his disciples and explained the story.

 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:18-23

As Jesus explained, the story is a description of how the Word of God takes root in four different examples. The spiritual growth in one’s life depends on the soil which determines the depth of the root system. With no root system, the love of God dies quickly and the life is not fruitful. However, as the final example tells us, the life of a deep root system produces a bountiful harvest.

Deep roots take time.

Early on, trees are very fragile, susceptible to people, animals, and the elements. If you have ever planted one, you know this to be the case. One places protection around the tree to keep animals and lawnmowers away, fostering the base of that tree. But, the elements can’t be controlled. A heavy wind will blow the tree over, as there is little to no root system. On the other hand, try to move a 30 year old, mature tree. The tree is solid. The tree has endured, survived. In Africa, the roots of some trees reach a depth of 24 feet. There is no moving this tree.

When a tree is cut, examining the inside rings of a tree tell us about the life of that tree. The width, color, and pattern of each ring tell us if the tree was flourishing or merely surviving for that season. The rings show seasons of rain and seasons of drought that the tree has endured.

Similar to the life of a tree, the life of one that follows God is not immediately established with deep roots. Now, nothing is impossible with God, the Creator of the world is in control, however, for most people, as with trees, deep roots take time. And, during this time, dangers arise.

In the parable of the soils Jesus tells us 2 specific dangers that we will all face during the time that roots are growing.

First, is the danger of “troubles or persecution.” We will have problems, obstacles, persecution, issues in life. These difficulties can last for a short time or for seasons. There is no truth that life with God is an easy life on earth. This is not and never has been a promise from God. In fact, he promises the opposite. We will all face struggles. Without a deep root system, we falter. Without an anchor, we will be swept away.

The second danger that Jesus mentions are “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth.” Some translations say “the worries of the world.” We all worry. We all have stress. Jobs and family issues cause us to lose sleep, to constantly think about what is going on. And, separately, we are all enticed by the world, just like Eve in the garden. Be it money, sex, position, power, materiality, or just good times, we are all enticed. Without a deep root system, we falter. Without an anchor, we will be swept away.

A deep root system takes time. Time spent alone with God. Time walked hand-in-hand with the Creator of the world, understanding his character, who He is and what He says. Time spent humbly bowing to Him as Lord of all and watching Him work. Time spent praying and talking to Him. Time. Time. Time.

For a tree, without time, there is no root system. For us, without time spent with Him, there is no root system. We all know that we will face seasons that will rock our world. The only thing that will carry you through is a deep root system, an Anchor.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:19

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