The Grafted Branches

Picture Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_branch#/media/File:Olive_branch.jpg

It is written in Romans 11:16, NIV-Bible; “If the part of the dough offered as first-fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.” – Many recognized this verse wrongly as a continued pronouncement of the concept on tithes from the Old Testament Bible. But in fact, the bible is talking about the unbelieving nation of Israel rebelling to accept the Jesus Christ as their savior – being anticipated that God will rescue and save the Israel according to the Old Covenant He made with them.

The word of God says in Romans 11:28-30, NIV-Bible; “As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience.” In short, the above example of ‘offered dough turning holy’ is all about the deliverance of Israel. It is written as well in Romans 11:15, NIV-Bible; “For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”

Being called as the Apostle of gentiles, Paul was encouraging everyone by saying that no one has fallen beyond the recovery. For the Israelites, God has reserved some to be reconciled and accepted as natural olive branches, which is then grafted-in back to the main root. Though gentiles were portrayed as wild-olive branches, they are also given the opportunity to be grafted-in among the natural ones. It was surprising to read the bible verse which says in Romans 11:11-12, NIV-Bible; “Because of their (Israel’s) transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!”

Therefore, be zealous for God’s kindness and promises. Since you are grafted in, for a great purpose, give yourself fully to the Lord, even though God works in you to make you holy as wholesome. If you are from the non-Jewish origin, you might consider yourself as a gentile – given the opportunity to be grafted-in. Yet, for a second thought, how sure that you are not one of those lost tribes of Israel, which scattered all over the world very long time ago? According to the current statistics, only two tribes out of twelve have returned to Israel after the long period of exile! Those who have ears, let them hear. Amen