Jack Pine Trees

Jack pines have serotinous cones.  They require the heat of fire to open and disperse seeds, and those seeds need the bare mineral soil of post-burn duff (ash) to germinate. 

The jack pine reminds me of the disciples who lingered in Jerusalem (10 years!) until the heat of persecution drove them out.  Only then did the Gospel spread swiftly throughout the known world. 

Jack pines remind me of how I had to reach the end of myself before I was willing to give everything over to God.  Actually, I begged Jesus to take over my life because I had made such a mess of it. 

Fire isn’t always bad.   Hard times are sometimes a great blessing.  The worst things that happen to us can become the greatest blessings when we give them to God. As we surrender our will and our lives into His good keeping, we drink in the Living Water and sink roots and grow strong.  In Christ, we can experience the joy that comes with resurrection power.