I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abide in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
God’s covering, like the almond tree is extremely expansive. His covering is also guaranteed as long as we stay connected to Him: the Vine. The foundation, represented here by the roots, are deep and strong. The thick foliage provides protection but not always full coverage.
There are fruits that grow at different stages and all from the same vine.
The journey for us as Believers highlights that even though we are covered under the Blood of Jesus Christ, we are still vulnerable to attacks from the enemy. The roots of the tree remind us of the depth of faith we need to have in Christ Jesus especially when the attacks come upon us.
The Bible speaks of being in the world but being not of the world. The things of this world will affect us but will not destroy us because of His covering. Take the almond tree for example; it is surrounded by other trees and is also exposed to the rain, the wind and the sun. They all have an advantageous and deleterious effect, depending on how extreme the conditions.
Despite all of that, we (God’s created), like the tree, will put down firmer roots. We will expand our borders, and at the same time, provide well-needed shelter for others, and bear much fruit in all our seasons.
So the next time the enemy tells us that we are not strong enough, remember, it is not what is on the surface that is keeping us but instead what is on the inside.
By Isola Malcolm