[soc.religion.christian] Isaiah 53.2

ROBERT@kontu.utu.fi (Robert W. Johnson) (03/06/91)

He grew up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground.
Isaiah 53.2.

Its roots are the means wherby a plant is nourished, the channel through
which its life is derived.  No plant can live without a root system.  
Equipped with one it may survive in the unpromising conditions.  Isaiah's
words suggest that Jesus Himself did not derive His life and strength from
outward circumstances.  nor must we.  if necessary we must be able to live 
without the succour of our brethern in Christ.  Even with them around us,
we live withour fellow-members, we do not live BY them.  The secret source
of our life is God alone.

But to live thus "out of a dry ground" means something more.  It means that
nothing merely circumstantial can destroy us.  No drought can wither God's
tender plants.  Amid barren and even hostile conditions His children are
equipped to be "more than conquerors."  Their life is Christ Himself.  


-----
Robert W. Johnson
Computer center, The University of Turku, Turku Finland
robert@kontu.utu.fi 	(InterNet)
robert@firien.bitnet    (BITNET)

The preceeding is my opinion and may not express the opinion of my employer
and furthermore has nothing to do with my employment.