The Fruit And The Root

“Storms make the oak grow deeper roots.” ~ George Herbert
Prolific fruit is indicative of equally prolific roots. If one could see a top-to-bottom cross sectional view of a mature oak tree, one would see a vast root network that somewhat mirrors the grandeur of the trees above-ground trunk, limbs and branches. Depending on the soil type and presence of ledge and rock, one would see deep roots and many shallower spreading roots. Rocks would be avoided, engulfed or split as the roots grew. The robustness and scope of the root network would also indicate unseen environmental and circumstantial factors that would have impacted the trees need to draw deeper and wider in the face of above-ground hardship and adversity.

Perhaps the most majestic and oldest of tress on our planet are the great Redwoods or Giant Sequoias of the Pacific Northwest. These mammoth trees tower nearly three hundred feet or more and boast trunks thirty feet in diameter. They are covered with bark three feet thick. You’ve probably seen pictures of redwoods with carved tunnels through which an automobile is driving. If you have ever stood beside one of these trees it is a humbling experience and one that conjures images of “Jurassic Park”. By ring counting, some of the trees are estimated to be 3,500+ growing seasons old.

Interestingly, despite their potent attributes as individual trees, Redwoods only exist in groves. You won’t find a Redwood growing or standing alone. Because of the geological strata where they flourish, Redwoods have relatively shallow root structures. To compensate, they spread their roots far and wide. They also do something else quite extraordinary; they intertwine root systems with those of neighboring Redwoods. This root networking provides stability for all who are interconnected. One tree can attribute its ability to stand to the support of its neighbors.

Redwoods also depend on frequent forest fires to promote their growth. The periodic fires clear the forest floor for seeds to grow and the heat from the fires is required to open the conifers from which the seeds come. If regular fires do not occur, dead wood, organic matter and other flammable growth can be allowed to accumulate in excess such that when a fire does come – it can be harmful. Nonetheless, the 3 foot bark insulates the trees from most fires. Regular “refining” fire is healthy.

So let’s get this straight. Redwoods congregate in groups, require regular refining fire in order to grow and rely on vast intertwined root networks for stability – roots that are safe from the fires and thick skins to resist scorching. Sounds like the design for a church.

God’s garden has a similar root structure that employs two dynamics; His provision and our interconnectedness. When I first became a Christian I was struck with the idea that I was part of a living organism called the Body of Christ and that we were the Church. Some were the eyes, some the feet, some the hands and hair. If one member was injured the rest felt the pain. I was connected and “felt”. This was different. This was special. My body a temple, part of a body, also a temple and each of us “…living stones that God has assembled into His spiritual temple" (1 Peter 2:5).

Fundamental to our relationship and connectedness with God and each other called for His purpose is that at the source is the root and at the other end is the fruit. Grafted into His body and life we, as grafted-in branches, are initially closely oriented toward the sustaining trunk and main limbs wherein we have been grafted. It is close to the trunk that we are discipled and nourished with the equipping teachings and encouragement of our brothers and sisters – our mentors and those called to be our teachers. This equipping may take years and is a function of our complete surrender to a new source and flow of resource that is not of ourselves. The foundations of our faith are formed there in the shade and, in season, the effectiveness of our preparation results in an irresistible budding of growth as our branch stirs into action and a life of active, fruitful service that pushes outward to the extremities and toward the light.

“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” ~ Aristotle
All the best! Bill