It is nice watching the trees begin to bud during this time of year. Soon the bees will begin pollinating the fruit trees so the fruit may eventually be enjoyed. It is wonderful how grafting is used to provide so many varieties of flowers and trees, and to even provide more than one type of apple on a single tree. And there is nothing like the taste of an apple right off the tree.
In Romans chapter eleven, Paul provided a wonderful analogy using an olive tree and the idea of grafting branches. He described how natural branches (Jews) were cut off due to unbelief while wild olive shoots (Gentiles) were grafted in due to belief. There was no room for arrogance on the part of either the natural nor the wild branches since both received the nourishing sap and support needed from the olive root. (Romans 11:17-18) However, the warning was given that if God did not spare the natural branches, neither would He spare the unnatural branches due to unbelief.
But note what else Paul went on to express where we read. . .
“(22) Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. (23) And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.” (Romans 11:22-23 ESV)
When someone has left, it is often difficult to get them to return. We may feel at a loss on how to reach them. We may wonder what it might take to impact them to bring them back to “the root” that nourishes and supports. Paul said that God is able to graft them in again. Let that be an encouragement to anyone who has left Him. And let this be an encouragement to us to keep on praying for them that something will get their attention that they might be grafted back in again. Pray that God will bring about something in their life that will regain their attention and affection. And then be ready to rejoice when God does His great work of grafting.
Have a great day PRAYING FOR GOD’S WORK TO TAKE PLACE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS!
Carl
