by Sis. Teresa Poucher
I have two Rose-of-Sharon shrubs, one of which came from a clipping. In other words, I took a small, young, tender branch from one shrub and made another shrub from it. It’s called cloning. They are both quite beautiful and have grown quite well. The only problem is the cloned shrub will not grow a taproot.
A taproot is extremely strong and able to draw water and nutrients from the soil, which helps in times of drought. The tree that has the taproot is strong enough to withstand strong winds. Since the clone has the same genetics as the tree or shrub you got it from, it will be susceptible to the same problems.
In nature, the shrub with the taproot will adapt and mutate to respond to problems. The clone will not. The clone may be sterile, unable to grow its seed, thus not being able to reproduce, unlike the olive tree that the Bible speaks of. The gentiles (that would be us unless you are a Jew) were grafted into that olive tree, which is the Jewish people, God’s chosen ones.
“And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;” (Romans 11:17)
“And have no root in themselves, (i.e., they have no taproot) and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.” (Mark 4:17)
If we are grounded in the Word of God, our roots will be deep. Our fruit will be good. Not only will our fruit be good, but we will be exalted, and multiplied. If we are just a clone, we lack the taproot. The taller the building the deeper the foundation you need. The Apostles’ Doctrine is our foundation.
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets…”
(Ephesians 2:20)
Am I a clone? Do I just look the part or am I grafted in?
The Warrior’s Heart Cry 