Living in the Vine 2 

The Root 

Read Exodus 19: 3-8; Exodus 20: 1-17.

Roots are critically important to the survival and prosperity of any vegetation, but especially so to a plant like a vine whose sole purpose is to not be merely decorative, but to bear fruit. If the roots are weak or fail to develop, then the plant will fail to prosper, die and there will be no fruit. 

A strong root anchors the plant to the ground. This provides stability and support for the whole structure, and through the root system the vine absorbs water, carbohydrates, and nutrients from the soil – all of which are vital for a healthy life, growth, and the ability to bear an abundance of good strong fruit. 

The ‘root’ of the Vine, which provided the stability and moral compass of our society, not just for Israel, but for much of wider society around the world over generations, had been the terms of God’s covenant: The Ten Commandments. But that is no longer the case. 

What then will be the ‘root’ that provides our personal security, stability, and structure for society? 

Since the end of World War II, leaders of successive generations have manipulated and legislated away from our Judeo-Christian heritage. So, with the removal of these spiritual and moral foundations, many of us – believers as well as unbelievers – place our faith for stability in society and personal security in such things as our bank accounts, the NHS, the police, military, judicial and education systems; the electricity or gas company; the shops for our food supply; or in the company we work for – that they will have sufficient funds to pay our wages each month. But as we contemplate living through the end-times, with its increasing societal instability and the very real possibility of persecution for both the Jews and Gentile believers, we must come to the realisation that all these things will at some point either fail, fall short of our expectations or be removed from us. What then will be the ‘root’ that provides our personal security, stability, and structure for society? 

It must be our personal relationship with our loving, long-suffering, covenant-initiating and covenant-keeping Father God. He is the only one who will never let us down – He cannot – because His very nature means that He is not only loving but also faithful, steadfast, loyal, good, and totally dependable.

It must be our personal relationship with our loving, long-suffering, covenant-initiating and covenant-keeping Father God.

In very simple terms the Covenant, which is a binding agreement, reassures us that God, who is incapable of reneging on it, is thoroughly on our side; that whatever we are facing, He will be with us in and through it; everything He is, is also ours; our battles are His too; He will defend, protect, and fight for us. In short, we are doing life together with the One who is the solid immovable Rock of Israel!

Additional reading: Isaiah 7:9b; Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 18:1-3; 2 Chronicles 20:15-17.

Prayer time

Think over what you have read today about how far our society has drifted from the ‘root’ of our Judeo-Christian heritage.

• Write down any thoughts or concerns you have about where you see our nation is heading.
• What do you consider to be our hope?

Spend some time talking to God about the things you have written. Be sure to hand-over to Him any fears you might have and make the choice to trust Him with your future, whatever that may be.

Give any remaining time today to meditating on the enduring, faithful, loving covenant-heart of Father God. Consciously invite and allow His peace and love to abide or rest in you today.

Part 1 of this devotional is available here. 


^{Image by David Kohler on unsplash.com}