If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
Romans 11:17-24

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Grafted by Grace
By Jennifer Kane

In the rich soil of divine grace,
stands the ancient olive tree,
its roots deep in promises,
whispered to Abraham and his descendants.

Some branches, once vibrant with life,
now lie broken,
a sobering reminder of unbelief’s peril.

Yet, in their place,
wild olive shoots are grafted in,
tended by the careful hand
of the Divine Gardener.

These wild branches—
once foreign, once distant—
now partake in the tree’s ancient life,
drawing from veins rich with covenant.

Bound by the cord of faith,
they flourish,
bearing fruit beyond their wildest dreams,
sustained by grace alone.

This grafting—
a gift, not their doing—
testifies to the mercy
that includes them in the blessings
of the chosen people.

Let not these grafted branches boast,
for the root supports them—
the root,
foundation of God’s enduring promise.

The broken branches, Israel,
are not forgotten.
In turning from unbelief,
they too can be restored,
grafted back to life,
to purpose.

The Gardener’s hands remain open,
ever ready to heal,
to unite,
reminding all of His sovereign power—
to graft, to restore,
to nurture all who come in faith.

Thus stands the olive tree,
a living metaphor of mercy,
of the boundless reach
of God’s salvation.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Romans 11:17-24

Imagine an ancient olive tree, rich in history and roots that run deep. Over time, some of its branches weaken and are cut away, only to be replaced by new, wild olive shoots. This process, known as grafting, revitalizes the tree, blending old and new in a beautiful display of renewal and unity. In Romans 11:17-24, Paul uses this image to illustrate the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles, highlighting God’s grace and the importance of faith.

Paul begins by reminding us that some of the natural branches, representing Israel, were broken off due to unbelief. This made room for wild olive branches, symbolizing the Gentiles, to be grafted in. The root of this tree, nourished by the promises and covenants given to Israel, now supports both Jew and Gentile believers alike.

Paul cautions against boasting or feeling superior. Just as the wild olive branches rely on the root for nourishment, we, too, rely on the rich spiritual heritage of Israel. Our place in God’s family is not due to our own merits but solely by His grace.

The inclusion of the Gentiles serves as a testament to the power of faith. Paul warns that just as the natural branches were broken off due to unbelief, we must remain steadfast in our faith. Our standing in God’s family is sustained by our continued trust in Him, not by our works or lineage.

Paul speaks of the dual aspects of God’s nature—His goodness in grafting us into His family and His severity in cutting off those who fall into unbelief. This calls for a life of continual abiding in His goodness, echoing Jesus’ teaching in John 15 about remaining in Him to bear fruit.

Finally, Paul emphasizes that God’s grace is sufficient to restore Israel. If they turn from unbelief, they can be grafted back into their own tree. This gives us hope for redemption and restoration, reminding us of God’s unwavering mercy and the potential for renewed fruitfulness.

As we reflect on this passage, let us consider the privilege of being grafted into God’s family. It is a call to humility, faith, and perseverance. We are supported by the rich root of God’s promises and must continually abide in His grace. Let us also pray for the restoration of those who have strayed, trusting in God’s ability to graft them back into His fold.

~~~~~

Heavenly Father, thank You for grafting us into Your family through faith. Help us to remain humble, recognizing that it is by Your grace alone that we stand. Strengthen our faith and keep us abiding in Your goodness. We pray for those who have fallen away, that they may be restored and bear fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

January 11 2025