The Kindness of God: Romans 11:17-24
“17) But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18) do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19) You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20) Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21) for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. 22) Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23) And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24) For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?” Romans 11:17-24
Never take the gospel for granted. We are in the age of the Gentiles and the gospel is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. The wild olive branches are being grafted into the cultivated tree while Israel remains in a state of rebellion and rejection.
But everything will change quickly. The way I read this text, the natural branch is about to have a change of heart and turn from their unbelief.
God is a debtor to no man. People stand before Him by His kindness and grace. We were grafted into His rich root system by His amazing grace, and not by our own doing or merit. So how do we personalize this text?
Never take your place in the family of God for granted. The greatest mystery in the Bible is why God picked us to be recipients of His grace. We did not earn it. We do not deserve it. Most likely we are the least likely to be desired or wanted. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) I shall never stop praising and thanking Him for the inexpressible gift of salvation. I stand in awe of His amazing grace.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
