NO ROOT – NO FRUIT

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take ROOT downward, and bear FRUIT upward – Isaiah 37:31

The Lord Jesus, in the parable of the sower talked of the seeds that fell on stony grounds (Matthew 13; Mark 4). While trying to germinate, these seeds could not find much soil due to lack of depth, and so could neither take root downwards nor bear fruit upwards. When the sun rose, they were scorched and withered immediately (Mk. 4:5-6, 16-17).

The reason for lack of fruit in many lives is a lack of root. Many people are not fruitful because they are not rooted or they are poorly rooted. Some converts drift off from the Christian race and veer from the faith because they lack depth; they were not prepared to go the whole hog in the first place. Some are still in the race nominally and temporarily, until the world offers a more enticing bait or stronger attraction. They are prepared to dump their faith in Christ if the prize of compromise is right. Such people do not have root. When fierce winds drive and severe storms blow, only the deep-rooted trees would survive.

Rootless Christians are those who readily compromise with worldliness. They are encumbered with the carnal, rat-race and worldly pursuit for material acquisition. They find it easy to abandon the original, eternal and heavenly race for earthly quests (Heb.12:2). They are effortlessly pressured into iniquity, sin, and unrighteousness. To what degree are you rooted in Christ? What is your depth in Christ? Are you a rooted or a rootless believer? Because roots are hidden, others may not be able to answer such questions for you; but your fruit or lack thereof is the best indicator of your root: “for every tree is known by his own fruit…” (Lk.6:44a).

Rooted Christians are sold-out to the Lord Jesus. They are ready to be persecuted for righteous sake and willing to suffer for Christ and His Kingdom (Mt.5:10). Eternity in heaven belongs to rooted Christians – Overcomers – those who are grounded and rooted in God’s Word; those who are willing to “endure to the end” not just “endure but for a time” (Mt.24:13; Mk.4:17). Ephesians 3:17 admonishes: “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being ROOTED and GROUNDED in love…” To the extent that you take root downwards; to that degree you will bear fruits upward. Your roots will not wither; your fruits will not be wasted!