I am sorry to admit, but I neglected the scripture for our study today until years ago my friend Rudy Ross pointed it out to me.
Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles, but he had a deep love and concern for his fellow Jews. This is reflected in his message in chapters 9-11 of Romans.
Now I am speaking to you gentiles. Inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I celebrate my ministry in order to make my own people jealous and thus save some of them.
For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches also are holy (Romans 11.13-16).
The gospel was first for the Jews, as Paul wrote in chapter one: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1.16).
The history of God’s covenant with humans began with Abraham and continues through to today for both Jews and Gentiles.
Grafted Into God’s Family
Throughout much of his letter to the Romans, Paul addresses Jewish pride, seeking to transform it into humility.
He also extends this message to the Gentiles. Paul emphasizes that Gentiles are dependent on the Jews for understanding and receiving God’s love.
But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted among the others to share the rich root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches.
If you do boast, remember: you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
You will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in” (Romans 11.17-19).
I remember a dinner conversation with Rudy, where he explained that God didn’t close the Old Testament with a steel door. Instead, God gave us one picture after another of the redemptive act of Jesus, prefigured in the rituals and holidays of the Jewish people.
As a Gentile follower of the Jewish Messiah, I stand with deep humility and gratitude for what God has done for His covenant people, the Jews.
Humility
Just as Paul’s Jewish audience needed a lesson in humility, the same can be said for Gentile Christians throughout the ages, right up to today.
That is true. They were broken off on account of unbelief, but you stand on account of belief. So do not become arrogant, but be afraid.
For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you (Romans 11.20-21).
I often describe the fear of the Lord as having three key elements: first, a loving relationship with God; second, humility in accepting God’s direction; and third, a willing obedience to follow His guidance.
When we live in the fear of the Lord, we don’t need to worry about His judgment on our lives. He will walk with us and support us.
However, when we turn away from God in pride and follow our own path, the story changes. Even then, God can use our resistance for His purposes, as He has done throughout history.
Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen but God’s kindness toward you, if you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.
And even those of Israel, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.
For if you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree (Romans 11.22-24).
If Israel had recognized their need for a Messiah and accepted Jesus as that Messiah, they would have followed God’s plan.
Even today, we are called to do the same. We must have the humility to see Jesus as the model for our lives and the willingness to follow Him in every way He leads.
YouTube Discussion:
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 