Friday, September 22, 2017

GOD'S OLIVE TREE (3)


A WARNING TO GENTILES


Romans 11:18-22
For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. (Rom.11:21)

A horticulturist wants to nurture healthy, fruitful, and beautiful trees. To that end, he might prune withered, unfruitful branches away. Or he might graft stronger, healthier branches from one tree to another. Obviously, it makes sense for the horticulturist to graft in the best branches he can find. But this logic does not apply to God’s work of "horticulture." 

When He chose to graft Gentiles into the Olive tree of the household of faith, He did not do it because the Gentiles came from better stock than the existing "branches," of the Jews. And that is something Paul wants his Gentile readers to keep in mind.

"Do not boast against the branches," the apostle admonishes the Gentiles, lest they think the other branches were pruned away only to make room for them. They should never be so "haughty," for they have no reason to think God extended His call to them because of anything in them. They must always remember that "you do not support the root, but the root supports you." Simply put, God has called Gentiles on the basis of His grace, nothing more……to be contd

In Christ,
Janet Irene Thomas
Playwright/Director/Screen Writer
Producer/Gospel Lyricist/Author
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts


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