As a Root out of Dry Ground

Our family enjoyed a beautiful walk at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains this morning.  We started early, beat the traffic, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of the National Pass.  The waterfalls, lush green ferns and gums, gorgeous panoramic views, majestic rock formations, and squawks of sulfur-crested cockatoos made it an amazing setting I heartily recommend and never grow weary of.  Not to say it was an easy walk, though:  by the end of the walking track we were all ready for a well-deserved rest and light lunch at the Conservation Hut.

As we walked along the National Pass, I frequently observed gum trees which appeared to be growing out of the rock and sandstone.  Gnarled roots heaved across dry stone, seeking after a water source.  It reminded me of a scripture which speaks of the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ.  Isaiah 53:1-2 reads, "Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? ² For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him."  As I saw roots growing out of dusty, dry sandstone, my mind hearkened back to the Isaiah passage.  Jesus did not attract people because of His physical beauty, bulging muscles, light which emanated from His face, or a magnetic speaking voice.  In appearance Jesus appeared like a normal person.  The thing which Jesus possessed which set Him apart from all others was life.  John 1:4 tells us, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."

Dry ground does not promote life.  Grass does not grow on the dry footpath of the National Pass.  But some trees do!  Many of the roots of healthy, green gum trees are exposed along the path.  The primary difference between the dust and the root is that the tree is alive.  Jesus is distinct from all others because in Him is spiritual life.  Jesus did not reserve life only for Himself, but offered the unfailing promise of eternal life to all who repent and trust in Him.  The great irony is that Jesus embraced death on the cross so all people who place their faith in Him will be washed in His blood and live forever with Him.  John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World.  Spiritually speaking, men are born dead in sins.  But Jesus came as a tender shoot, like a root out of dry ground, bringing life to all who believe through His death and resurrection.

Jesus says in John 12:24-26:  "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. ²⁵ He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."  Though there was nothing desirable in Christ's appearance which set Him apart, it is His love and grace which draws men to follow Him.  He is glorious in the beauty of His holiness.  While we were yet sinners, Jesus demonstrated His love for us on the cross.  God has raised my soul from hell, and has brought life to these dead bones by His grace.  He will do the same for you because God's Word teaches us He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Just like I wish everyone could experience the beauty and splendour of the National Pass, I desire more still that all would experience the love and life found in the person of Jesus Christ.  The National Pass will someday pass away, but those who trust in Jesus Christ will rejoice in new life for eternity.  You will need to take a plane, train, or car to the National Pass and walk it yourself to experience it, but no camera or video can contain the beauty you behold there.  No man can discover the wonder of God alone.  But Jesus has come to us!  He has walked this earth, performed signs and wonders, died for us, and rose from the dead in victory over death.  No article, blog, or sermon can adequately portray the beauty of the One who is likened to a root out of dry ground, Jesus Christ.  You will never know what life is until you give your life to Him.