Separated from the Source
During a recent thunder storm, powerful winds pummeled new, tender leaves, ripping the emerging foliage from trees on our farm. Tiny oak leaves lay strewn on the pavement, separated from the source of their life.
Separated from the source
What happens when we’re separated from the source of life? Well . . . for leaves that get ripped away from the parent tree–they wither away. They die. As you can see below, the oak leaves are very small, only about an inch long when ripped from the tree, mere babies compared to the magnolia leaf on which they rest for the photo.
The leaves can’t survive when disconnected from their source of life.
What happens when we are separated from the Source?
Our Father Creator is the Source of life. We cannot survive when permanently separated from our Source either. But separation can exist between God and His people. This happens when:
We don’t submit ourselves to God–putting our trust completely in Him.
But he gives us more grace. That is why the scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:6-7)
We choose not to acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
We sin.
But your iniquities have separated you from God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
Of course we’re going to sin–we’re human. But the key is recognizing the sin, confessing the sin, turning away from the sin, and trying to do better. And God will help us with that.
Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear to dull to hear. (Isaiah 59:1)
The wonderful news is that nothing can separate us from God’s love–unless we choose to be separated.
Paul writes to the Romans:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 37-39)
Jesus is the bridge between us and our Father–God the Source of life. We are separated from the Father because of our sin, but God sent His son . . .
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
The cross connects us–the bridge of love–God’s gift of mercy and love. Because of Jesus we are never separated from the Source–our Father and Creator–the giver of life.
Can there be any greater gift than this given by our Savior?
Isaiah 59:1 and the truth that nothing separates me from God’s love sustain me. Thank you for this encouraging post.
You are right, Marilyn–nothing can separate us from God as long as we seek Him. He is always faithful, trustworthy, and steadfast. Thankfully, He is always there to pull us back into the fold when we stray (or get lost). Wishing you a blessed week!
I am so thankful that Jesus provides us with a bridge to the Father.
Me, too, Priscilla. We are so blessed. Hoping you meet your writing goals this week–I’m cheering you on!
Jesus truly is the greatest gift. I am so thankful for Him! Blessings, Katherine!
Yes, Kim, He is the greatest gift. And it’s the gift that keeps on giving. With Him as our Lord and Savior, we know we’re never alone on our journey.
Never get tired of hearing the gospel🩷. Thank you for sharing, Katherine, and for your encouragement to remain tethered to the only source of life!
I pray we never tire of hearing the Gospel, Kristy. That’s how we stay connected. Thank you for sharing this encouragement with us. Joy and blessings!
I’m so thankful for the connection to the source of life. Blessings on your writing ministry, Katherine.
Thank you, Diana. You’re such an inspiration and encourager. Wishing you a joyful week!
I am so thankful that Jesus provides us with a way and path to our Heavenly Father and blessed me over and above of what I am worthy of. Thanks for sharing and for your ministry!
It’s such an amazing blessing–the depth of God’s love for us. I’m so grateful for your support and encouragement, Martha. Wishing you a blessed week.
Amen to:
Of course, we’re going to sin-we’re human. But the key is recognizing the sin, confessing the sin, turning away from the sin, and trying to do better. And God will help us with that.
I an so blessed that our Father is faithful, merciful, forgiving–and–He LOVES us. We are all blessed, aren’t we? Peace and joy, my friend.
What joy it is to know our Source of Life! We are blessed beyond measure. May God equip us to share the message with those disconnected from the Source.
Oh, yes, Candyce–We are blessed beyond measure! He gives us life, joy, love, forgiveness and so much more. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Such an encouraging post Ms. Katherine. While we often find ourselves creating a chasm of separation between ourselves and the Father when we send, isn’t it so comforting to know that He is never separated from us? With a simple yet sincere prayer, we are fully reconciled through His Son. Amen my friend.
He’s only a prayer away–always. The separation is always created by us, not our loving Father. J.D., thank you for being such a wonderful role model for Christian love and witness.
As I read you lovely message, storms are pounding our house and I see the leaves flying around so your imagery really hit home. We must remain connected to our source of life. Thanks Katherine
Yvonne, I hope and pray you and your family came safely through the storms. I’ve been seeing the tragic reports on the news–so much damage to homes and property. I’m thankful He is always with us through the storms of life.
I’m thankful for God’s love and Romans 8 which tells me that nothing can separate me from His love. Praise the Lord!
Me, too, LuAnn! Nothing can separate us from His love unless we do it ourselves. He is steadfast and faithful, even when we aren’t. And He never stops loving us, even when we turn away from Him. We are so blessed!