JULY 18, 2014
Living
Bridges
Read: Jeremiah
17:5-10
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. —Jeremiah 17:7
People who live in
Cherrapunji, India, have developed a unique way to get across the many rivers
and streams in their land. They grow bridges from the roots of rubber trees.
These “living bridges” take between 10 to 15 years to mature, but once they are
established, they are extremely stable and last for hundreds of years.
The Bible compares a
person who trusts in God to “a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out
its roots by the river” (Jer. 17:8). Because its roots are well-nourished, this
tree survives soaring temperatures. And during drought it continues to yield
fruit.
Like a firmly rooted
tree, people who rely on God have a sense of stability and vitality despite the
worst circumstances. In contrast, people who place their trust in other humans
often live with a sense of instability. The Bible compares them to desert
shrubs that are frequently malnourished and stand alone (v.6). So it is with
the spiritual lives of people who forsake God.
Where are our roots?
Are we rooted in Jesus? (Col. 2:7). Are we a bridge that leads others to Him?
If we know Christ, we can testify to this truth: Blessed are those who trust in
the Lord (Jer. 17:7).
Jesus is all the world
to me,
My life, my joy, my
all;
He is my strength from
day to day,
Without Him I would
fall. —Thompson
Even strong trials
cannot blow down a person who is rooted in God.
Insight
The heart is the very
basis of character, including the mind and will. Because of our sinful nature,
the “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9).
Jeremiah debunked the popular belief that people are basically good (cf. Job
25:4; Ps. 51:5). That God examines and tests the heart is the consistent
teaching of scripture (1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Chron. 28:9; 2 Chron. 6:30; Ps. 139:1-2;
Jer. 11:20; Rom. 8:27; Heb. 4:12-13). Although we might try to hide our
innermost thoughts and motives from others, God sees. He alone knows the true
character of every person. God searches and knows us, but loves us despite our
inherent sinfulness.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
