ROMANS 11
17 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 rootof the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness 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. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 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. – Romans 11:17-24
ROMANS 11 STAY IN THE TRUE VINE
Paul cautions believers about the danger of pride. In verse 17 he was referring to an ancient way of grafting. Sources on web says “the allegory of the olive tree describes how God grafts branches from a wild olive tree (Gentiles) onto a cultivated olive tree (Israel) to preserve and invigorate the cultivated tree. This process of grafting is described as botanically accurate, as the ancients relied on propagation by slips, where they would bury stem pieces or cuttings in the ground to encourage rooting.” In the book of John in chapter 15:1-8, the Father calls himself as the vinedresser and Jesus the true vine. Each branch that doesn’t bear fruit is taken away and each branch that bears fruit is pruned so it will bear more fruit. The way to bear fruit is through abiding in Jesus so that he can abide in us. It explains the importance of being close to the true vine (Jesus) so that one can bear much fruit. The consequence of not abiding in Jesus is that the branch is thrown away and withers, and later on gathered together to be thrown into the fire.
Paul reiterates John’s explanation on why we need to stay in the true vine so that we will bear fruit. It keeps us humble so that we don’t ever think that we contribute to our salvation. We must focus on Jesus and abide in him so we will bear much fruit and grow our faith instead of risking being thrown and burned as John said in those verses.
REFLECTION
- What are some consequences when people separate from the true vine?
