November 18, 2014
Imagine being allowed membership in an exclusive club, only to discover that all the former members had left. Either this was now an extremely exclusive club, or one desperate for new members. Fact is, you became a member only because the former members were no longer there.
“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, 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. You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.” (Romans 11.17-21)
The image of club membership shifts to another illustration: branches and roots. Certain branches of a tree are broken off, and other branches are grafted in. The imagery is of the people of Israel, God’s chosen; and non-Jews, grafted in believers. Disobedient Israel was cut off from God’s plan, and a people of faith were grafted in. Paul, the writer of Romans, indicates that Israel has not been cut off forever (i,e, Romans 11.25-26), and the grafted in non-Jews ought not to become arrogant in their position. In other words, we’ve been allowed membership in God’s club because of the exodus of former members, but they will be back, and we ought not to become arrogant in our status. It’s summarized well in this verse: “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.” (Romans 11.22)
Note well two important qualities of our Creator Father: kindness and severity. There is unfathomable kindness for those who come in humility and faith, but extreme severity for the willfully disobedient and wicked. He is both a loving and exacting Father; qualities which many fail to see in balance. A common stereotype is that of a harsh judge, ready to mete out severe punishment at the slightest infraction to His law. The other extreme is that of a kindly, white-haired benevolent God who would never become angry or act in judgement.
It is a fearful prospect to face the wrath of God in judgment, but those who do so will because of their own free and deliberate choice. As many of us who have been grafted in can testify, His kindness toward us is great beyond measure. "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Romans 11.33)
Know that the severity of God exists for the disobedient, but savor His kindness in Christ to you, His child. May we be greatly aware and thankful today for His kindness.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“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, 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. You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.” (Romans 11.17-21)
The image of club membership shifts to another illustration: branches and roots. Certain branches of a tree are broken off, and other branches are grafted in. The imagery is of the people of Israel, God’s chosen; and non-Jews, grafted in believers. Disobedient Israel was cut off from God’s plan, and a people of faith were grafted in. Paul, the writer of Romans, indicates that Israel has not been cut off forever (i,e, Romans 11.25-26), and the grafted in non-Jews ought not to become arrogant in their position. In other words, we’ve been allowed membership in God’s club because of the exodus of former members, but they will be back, and we ought not to become arrogant in our status. It’s summarized well in this verse: “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.” (Romans 11.22)
Note well two important qualities of our Creator Father: kindness and severity. There is unfathomable kindness for those who come in humility and faith, but extreme severity for the willfully disobedient and wicked. He is both a loving and exacting Father; qualities which many fail to see in balance. A common stereotype is that of a harsh judge, ready to mete out severe punishment at the slightest infraction to His law. The other extreme is that of a kindly, white-haired benevolent God who would never become angry or act in judgement.
It is a fearful prospect to face the wrath of God in judgment, but those who do so will because of their own free and deliberate choice. As many of us who have been grafted in can testify, His kindness toward us is great beyond measure. "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Romans 11.33)
Know that the severity of God exists for the disobedient, but savor His kindness in Christ to you, His child. May we be greatly aware and thankful today for His kindness.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:18 AM
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