“The Rooted Church” Part 1
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to lose track of what really matters. We can become so focused on achieving success and acquiring material possessions that we forget about the more important things in life. As pastors and church leaders, it's essential that we stay rooted in our faith and the teachings of the Bible. One passage that can help us do this is Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Consider the person who toils day and night, chasing after what Scripture refers to as 'chasing after the wind'—that elusive dream of success that, once attained, reveals its fleeting nature. They may gain the whole world, yet find themselves restless, on a never-ending pursuit that Ecclesiastes wisely counsels as vanity. What profit is there to gain the world but lose sight of one's soul? It is in this moment of realization, where the temporal dream loses its luster, that the eternal perspective of life beckons—a beckoning to a purpose higher than our own, to a fulfillment that transcends time, found not in the perishable, but in the everlasting promise of faith anchored in spiritual truths. “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
In stark contrast to the flourishing tree planted by the waters, those who chase hollow dreams resemble a desert shrub struggling to survive. Just as Jeremiah depicts, "For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited." (Jeremiah 17:6). Pursuit of the transient can render one's soul as barren as the salt land, devoid of the living waters of spiritual truth. How often do we find ourselves like that shrub, isolated and parched, with roots that delve deep into the arid sand in search of something that can only be found in the living water offered by Christ? As believers, we are called to know better, to center our lives around the Giver of life, so we may never find ourselves dry and withered, but rather vibrant and thriving, regardless of life’s circumstantial droughts.
Jeremiah’s insightful passage emphasizes the profound significance of placing our trust and faith in God. It beautifully illustrates the blessing that comes from trusting in the Lord, comparing it to a sturdy tree firmly planted by a nourishing stream. Even in the face of adversity, such as scorching heat and seasons of drought, this tree remains unwavering, boasting lush green leaves and continuing to bear fruit. It serves as a powerful reminder that when we entrust ourselves to God, we can find true strength and resilience amidst life's challenges. We can also find peace and joy, knowing that He is in control of our lives.
What does this mean for us as church leaders? First, it reminds us that our trust should be in God, not in ourselves or our own abilities. We must rely on Him to guide us in our ministry and to provide for us and our congregations. When we trust in Him, we are like a tree that is planted by water, with roots that go deep and are nourished by the stream. This gives us the strength and resilience to endure difficult times and challenges that come our way.
Additionally, this passage reminds us that our focus should be on bearing fruit, not just on achieving success or building a large congregation. Fruit not only provides needed nourishment, but seeds needed for reproduction and harvest of even more fruit. We must strive to live lives that are rooted in our faith and to help our congregations do the same. As we do this, we will see the fruit of our labors in the form of transformed lives and a growing community of believers.
To the individual congregant faced with life's relentless tempests, this imagery of the steadfast tree is not merely an abstraction—it's a tangible blueprint for solace and stability. Does not the psalmist declare, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night"? (Psalm 1:1-2). Indeed, by delighting in and meditating upon the Word, we immerse our souls in the living waters that never run dry. Ask yourself, are your roots plunging deep into the life-giving streams of Divine wisdom, or are they scratching at the parched surface of worldly fulfillment?
Consider then your personal journey through life's wilderness. Are you seeking sustenance from temporary springs that soon evaporate under the heat of trials, or are you drawing from the Eternal Well that promises unyielding refreshment? Remember, it is not the size of your branch that showcases your strength, but the depth of your roots intertwined with the enduring streams of faith. When you anchor your life in the Lord, your spiritual vitality is not dependent on external circumstances. Through seasons of scarcity and abundance alike, your leaves remain evergreen, manifesting the unshakeable peace and perpetual growth that comes from a life anchored in Christ.
As we seek to lead rooted and fruitful churches, let us keep Jeremiah 17:7-8 in mind. May we trust in God and put our faith in Him, and may we strive to bear fruit that glorifies Him and furthers His kingdom.
