Romans 11:17-18 (NKJV) 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
Let me state right up front that I am not a tree farmer. Nor am I an arborist.
I know truly little about trees except for the fact that they have branches, some grow exceptionally large, and most grow leaves on them!
But during my lifetime I have heard little tidbits about the practice of grafting branches from one vine or tree into another tree.
And that small, grafted piece of tree attaches itself to the adopting tree and begins to grow as if it was always part of that bigger tree.
Beyond that, I know absolutely nothing about it.
Unbelievably, though, this topic is Biblical and has great spiritual implications.
Let me explain.
Jesus spoke of Himself in John 15:5 as the vine and said that we are the branches. He then stated that if we abide in him (stay attached to Him) we will bear much fruit, but apart from Him we can do nothing.
Very plainly stated!
But Paul, under the inspiration and leading of the Holy Spirit, expounded on this more deeply in Romans.
In the two verses above we see that some branches (Jews who rejected Jesus Christ) were broken off (separated from God due to their unbelief).
And in their place, we being wild olive trees, (non-Jews who have put their faith in Christ) have been grafted into the tree where the original branches (Jews) were broken off. And we partake of the root and the fatness (richness and nurturing) of the olive tree.
This can be a bit mind-twisting to sort out and make sense of. But it is important that we do so because it gives us a stronger, deeper understanding of some of the deeper aspects of our faith, and of the love of God.
Knowing these things helps us develop a deeper appreciation for the love, mercy, forgiveness, and favor that God displays to us, His grafted-in wild branches.
Let us also remember the words of Jesus, when He emphatically stated that if we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit, but without Him we can do nothing.
Thank you, Father, for grafting us into Your tree 🙏
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ! 