A Root in the Dry Ground

[306 words] Yesterday, I ate my first apricot off of our tree. My wife and I have an apricot tree on the side of our house. The previous owners planted it, but we’ve tried to nurture it. Despite the windstorms and a tornado, we still have a nice crop of the fruit (which I love). Apricots are difficult to grow in West Texas. The wind and early hail are challenges to their fruit bearing. But the biggest challenge is the lack of water. This year, we’ve had plenty of rain, so we’ve made a good crop. But the truth of nature is this: roots need water. Ask any farmer or gardener. They know that roots need water. Without it, the root withers and dies. I think that one of most fascinating descriptions of Jesus comes from Isaiah the prophet (writing centuries before our Lord’s birth). He said: “He grew up…