September 25, 2024
Praying Friends,
Have you ever seen an iceberg? For me as a young boy growing up in the little town of Red Bay, Labrador, it was a common sight to see an iceberg flowing down the Strait of Belle Isle from further north, and frequently have one drift into our little harbor. There were summers where an iceberg floated into the harbor and got stuck there because of its depth.
What you see above water is just one-ninth of its full size. This is because of the density difference between the iceberg and the salt water. The iceberg is frozen fresh water, which is less dense than the salt water making it more buoyant.
Sometimes because of melting and erosion underneath, an iceberg may flip causing large waves of water to cascade outward. Never get too close because this can happen without warning.
What is true of the iceberg is also true of our lives as believers. What is visible to others is just a small part of who we are. What is hidden and underneath the surface is a much larger part of our lives than what is able to be observed. If what is underneath (our life before God) begins to dissolve and erode, a major disaster can occur.
The imagery that Paul used in Colossians has a similar concept. He said, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV).
There are two thoughts:
Firstly, the idea of living “rooted” lives, is that of a healthy tree. We see a mighty oak or a giant redwood rising high in the deep forest and admire its beauty. The strength and endurance of those trees to withstand the elements of nature is their root system, which is underground and cannot be seen.
Our roots are sourced in Christ Himself. The visible part that people see of our lives is the result of an inner hidden life with Christ.
If, for example, you are drawing sustenance from the world and false ideas of man, your life will be shaky at best. When the winds of adversity begin to increase, or the storms of life come rushing in, your tree, your life, will not endure.
If, however, you are spending time with Jesus and drawing your resources from Him, you will have what you need for trials and problems of life.
When the Psalmist speaks about the person who is truly blessed by God, he uses this same typical language. He says, “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:3).
This same person delights in God’s Law and meditates in it consistently. The roots are drawing nourishment from the rich fertile ground of God’s Word. The Scriptures are full of truth to satisfy and sustain the soul.
More specifically and applicably to Colossians, is the idea of being rooted in Christ. This is to feed from the fullness of His person. To find hidden gems and connections that remind us of His beauty. His humble character, His gentle attentiveness, His righteous indignation, His perception and wisdom in every situation are just some of the wonders that are cause for our consideration.
Interestingly, the more we are accepted with Him, and the deeper our roots spread into the unending source of His love, the more we will be changed into His likeness.
Secondly, the idea of living lives that are “built up in Him,” is that of being strengthened in Him. This requires a solid foundation. We view a magnificent building like the CN Tower in Toronto, and wonder at how it stands so tall and majestic. Every builder knows that a structure like this finds its stability in the foundation that was meticulously laid before the tower went up.
This is the same concept of our lives. The beauty and soundness of what is outwardly visible is the result of a foundation that is unshakeable. Our foundation is Christ Himself.
As we rest secure in Him, we are able to find the strength we need for the days of trouble and darkness. His presence becomes a daily reality to us. We sense a deeper feeling of closeness and as we do, His enabling might will work to encourage and build us up in our most holy faith.
Allow your behavior to be fueled by your hidden life with Christ.
Thank you for praying for our prodigals and for revival.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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