What's in the Root?

Have you ever seen an olive tree? When I first saw a picture of one I have to admit I was disappointed. They're not tall and straight like a redwood or a palm tree. And they're not majestic in height and foliage like a maple or willow tree. But the tree in spite of its unique appearances does have some honors. The oil produced from it's fruit is very popular and in great demand. And, the nation of Israel has adopted it as the national tree.

I learned another interesting fact from the December 2013 newsletter from Jewish Jewels concerning olive trees. I knew olive trees grow in odd shapes, but what I didn't know was that the odd shape came from shoots that will spring out from the roots of the trees and at times wrap around the tree itself. And according to the newsletter that shoot wrap helps the trunk to hold up the tree

Does this mixed-up intertwining system work? Well, there is an olive tree that is said to be between two thousand to three thousand years old. That's right, thousands of years old. That means in it's mixed up root trunk system it has lasted through calm seasons and storms, through peaceful times and wars, through famines and feasts. So, yes, a good set-up can keep a tree from collapsing.

If that wasn't an interesting enough fact about the tree, get this. The word (notzrim) that's used to describe this root-shoot-trunk action is the same word that's used for 'christian' and 'watchman.' I find it interesting that a thing called a christian would hold up a tree that has often symbolized the country of Israel.

God has us dependent on one another, even in his creation. Just as the tree is dependent on the root shoots to surround it and protect it from the elements as well as from it's own weight, Christians are needed to watch and pray over Israel. Israel is strong and prosperous, just like the tree. But the nature of the countries that want to attack Israel requires us to be aware of when and how to pray for her. It's essential to the survival of both of us.