In The Word
Read Romans 11:11-24
11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! 13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too.
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. 22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
As we discussed yesterday, if not carefully examined, Romans 11 can be misunderstood. Paul’s goal is to put down the notion that God has rejected the Israelites. Now he addresses the arrogance of the Gentile believers toward God’s people. The point is made that without Israel’s rejection, the Gentiles would not have known God’s salvation. This then makes them privileged, but not entitled, to grace. Without Israel there would be no vine to be grafted into. For through Israel the world has known the Messiah. Paul reminded the reader that such conceit could lead to their own unbelief, but by God’s kindness they have been grafted into the promise.
We must never forget that we are the “wild olive tree” and that God has shown kindness to us. He did not discard us, but rather has accepted us as His own. If He has accepted us, how much more will He accept those who are naturally His own? We can never forget that our salvation is a privilege, not an entitlement. We are blessed to be grafted into the family of God. We must put down conceit and arrogance. By grace we are saved. It will be through such grace that many who are the “natural branches” will believe and be accepted back. Guard your heart to never forget that we are a people of privilege. Through other’s rejection we have been accepted. Oh, what grace we have been shown!