LSEM > Devotions > Rooted on the Rock

Rooted on the Rock

  • September 2, 2020
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
No Comments

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” – Colossians 2:6-7

If you ever find yourself visiting Michigan’s upper peninsula, make the time to see the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Located along the coast of Lake Superior near Munising, Michigan, the rocks provide a marvelous canvas on which God has shown His artistry. The boat tour that I took offered multiple views of the various rock formations, waterfalls, and colors caused by the mineral deposits found on the rock. You can also visit the national park for hiking, camping, beach going, and kayaking (if you are into those sorts of things). Now before you think I’m working for the bureau of tourism, allow me to change gears to talk about a very specific part of the lakeshore that I found most captivating.

Toward the end of my boat tour, we came upon what looked like a large, tower shaped rock formation called Chapel Rock. The rock by itself is interesting: a tall spire with a small arch within it. But as you might have guessed, there is more to this story. On top of Chapel Rock, you will find its most unique feature: a majestic, 250-year-old white pine tree.

I marvel at how certain plants can manage to grow in the most unexpected places. Typically, these observations are of weeds growing in the tiniest cracks of my sidewalk or driveway. It is quite rare to see it in such an impressive display. As the boat turned around to begin our return trip to the dock in Munising, I took several pictures of Chapel Rock, amazed at how a tree on top of a rock formation could manage to not only find enough soil to begin growing, but to grow so tall and to last for so many years.

Intrigued, I immediately set off on an educational journey to learn all that I could about the history and formation of Chapel Rock, exhaustively researching it on a website called Google. What I learned was interesting. The formation was once part of an archway that connected Chapel Rock to the mainland. However, that archway collapsed in the 1940’s leaving behind the impressive sandstone tower that still stands along the shore. This explains the tower-like appearance, but what about the tree? Well, the pine had enough soil to get itself established on the rock, but not enough to meet its needs as it grew. In response to that, the root system of the tree spread out and across the archway to the mainland. Once it reached the good soil, the roots firmly established themselves well into the ground. In fact, the roots are so secure that when the rock of the arch finally gave way to the elements, the roots held firm, stretching across the expanse from Chapel Rock to the mainland. Three-quarters of a century later, those floating roots have continued to support the tree with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

The tree on Chapel Rock serves as an excellent reminder for us as we face the struggles of daily life. I have never spent a winter along the shore of Lake Superior, but from what I understand, the wind, waves, and sub-zero temperatures can be brutal. Standing on the shore, Chapel Rock is exposed to these harsh elements. However, because it is sustained by its roots, the tree can withstand the storms that are thrown its way year after year.

The life of a Christian is filled with storms. God doesn’t promise us blue skies, light winds and calm seas. Instead, we are to expect turmoil, hardships, persecution and more. At times, the struggle can seem unbearable, leaving us battered and bruised, uncertain of the future and emotionally drained. It is in these moments that Paul’s words to the Colossians give us comfort and the reassurance that we have been given all that we need to survive the tempests of life. In Christ, we receive forgiveness of our sins, a model to follow in how we should live, and the one and only path we have to a right relationship with God the Father now and for eternity.

May we always cling to the word of the Lord that lives within our hearts. May it protect us from all harm, take away our fears, and fill us with the Spirit to sustain us, no matter where we go or what we face.

 

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

Director of Programs & Services