In the Bible, Jesus often tells us parables about animals and nature to get us to think about our human nature and our relationship with Him. Consider a simple, big old tree—even it can speak to us about our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Photo credit by Brian Yap under Creative Commons License (BY-NC/2.0)
Envision the big, sturdy trunk of a tree—representing Jesus—the firm and solid foundation. From the trunk grow many branches—you and me and all of us—which eventually produce many beautiful colorful leaves. Each leaf—each of us—reflects the beauty of its source—Jesus—to all who see them.
Consider how the leaves and branches get their nutrition in order to grow more—from the roots and trunk. As Christians, our main source—Jesus and Scripture—are our major supply of growth. Without this life-giving supply from the roots and trunk, the branches couldn’t survive—they—we—can’t make it on our own.
Photo by photosbyflick under Creative Commons License (BY-NC/2.0)
Once in a while, a branch or two gets out of hand a little and grows the wrong way. When this happens, the branch may need pruning to shape it up. Don’t we sometimes get that way too?
At times, storms may come along, shaking the branches and leaves, but they will survive if their grip is tight to the source—the trunk. We, too, will survive the storms and trials of life if our grip is tight to our source—Jesus. The storms will eventually pass away—and all will be calm again.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up by Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7