Discipleship is relationship. If we read carefully, we find that the overarching theme of the Bible is enjoying a relationship with God and with one another.1
Jesus said, ‘In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”2
The only way to understand trials and suffering and how they relate to joy is in light of a relationship.3
A graphic illustration would be Lazarus being brought back from death to life. The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them “Unbind him, and let him go.”4 And in another familiar story, the parable of the prodigal son; having realized his folly the prodigal son returns. The father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Explaining his actions to his other son, It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.5 We need others to help us unravel that which has bound us and put on new clothes.
Sequoia Sempervirens, also known as Coastal redwood or California redwood is a much beloved, magnificent evergreen with an average lifespan of 500-700 years (can live up to 2000 years) and can grow as tall as 360 feet. These trees are native to the California Coastal fog belt and the southwestern corner of coastal Oregon. What is the reason for their longevity? Coastal redwoods have a root system consisting of shallow, wide-spreading lateral roots. In a forest of redwoods, the shallow roots intertwine with those of other redwoods, thus creating stability for these tall beauties.6
Notes:
1. Joey Bonifacio, The LEGO Principle-The Power of Connecting to God and One Another, p27
2. John 16:33
3. Joey Bonifacio, The LEGO Principle-The Power of Connecting to God and One Another, p30
4. John 11:44
5. Luke 15:22, 32
6. Woods, Jackie. Watering Redwoods, UC Master Gardeners, 29 Jun 2017
