“Aug 29, 2024 - God's Olive Tree”

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

God’s Olive Tree

Reading:  Romans 11:17-24
    
    Paul now turns his attention back to the Gentiles.  “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches”(Rom 11:17-18).  He pictures God’s people as an olive tree, each branch connected to the root of the tree.  Some of the Jews have been broken off (by rejecting Jesus) and now the Gentiles have been grafted in in their place.  Paul warns them against arrogance based on their newfound position of grace and glory.  “Then you will say, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.’  That is true.  They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith.  So do not become proud, but fear.  For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you”(Rom 11:19-21).  Gentiles have attained a place of blessing due to God’s grace.  The danger is that this grace will breed complacency and pride; Paul encourages fear instead.  

    Paul’s picture teaches us about the nature of God:  “Note then the goodness and the severity of God:  severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness.  Otherwise you too will be cut off”(Rom 11:22).  The story of salvation reminds us that God is good but also just and severe.  This means we can both trust him and fear him.  Paul also looks forward to the possibility that more Jews will rejoin fellowship with God:  “For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree”(Rom 11:24).  If God made Gentiles to fit among his people, how much more naturally will his own people fit?

    The image of the olive tree is fitting.  Like branches, we only survive as we have a connection to the roots, the source of life.  Faith—ongoing trust and commitment to service—is what keeps us connected to God.  When we begin to think that we are sufficient on our own or better than others, our connection to God is threatened.  

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One Thing to Think About:  Am I thankful that I can be a part of God’s people?

One Thing to Pray For:   Humility and gratitude in light of the grace I have received
 

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