New Life for Dead Hearts
Heartwood is the central supporting pillar of certain trees. Although dead, it won’t decay or lose strength while the outer, living layers are intact. Composed of fibers bound together by a chemical glue called lignin, heartwood can be as strong as steel. This element of a tree’s structure enables it to survive nature’s travails.
When Paul encouraged the Colossians to live a resurrected life, he could have used the metaphor of heartwood to express how those who have been saved are transformed. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). While Paul’s reference to us as “dead” might seem discouraging, when understood from the perspective of the resurrection we grasp the hope of such a statement. God transforms the dead core of our beings, strengthening us in the power of the resurrected Jesus to endure the trials of this life.
Our prior inner beings are as dead as the heartwood of a tree. Yet we still exist as the unique people God created us to be—and more. We’re made new (Revelation 21:5). We’re new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
We see a living example of how the structure of trees represents our life in Christ. Thanks be to God for transforming us from death to life!
As God helps us, let’s consistently surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to revere Him, love others, and grow in wisdom.
By: Elisa Morgan - Our Daily Bread Ministries
Colossians 3:1-4
Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
