Romans 11 - God’s Family - His Special Olive Tree

        One of the universal truths of the human experience from the beginning of time until now is the battle of good against evil.  It is a biblical theme.  We see it in the culture wars today.  We see it playing out in our organizations.  The power mongers and those standing against them.  Those who abuse children, those that promote war, those that trample and use the poor, versus those that oppose such things.  You are not alone.  This passage reminds us that God has many people who have not bowed to Satan.  The body of Christ must be those people: salt and light in this evil world.  Speaking to the men for two seconds: we must be the men of God, opposing evil - and recognizing our own flaws and weakness (Matthew 7:3-5).

        Romans 11 shows that God is kind and severe (11:22).  That’s true.  God will reject people based on their behavior.  He implores us to do the same in certain circumstances.  Speaking from my own failures and disobedience, I know that there are real consequences to my sin.

        God’s wholesome way is better.  It should make all who see your life jealous of its goodness and claim it for themselves (11:11).

        It’s interesting in this passage how the wild olive tree is juxtaposed against the special olive tree of God.  There are trees - and then there are trees.  There’s a big difference between being a malnourished branch in a scrawny, useless, fruitless wild olive tree - and being an essential branch in God’s Special Olive Tree.  Every person in God’s family is nourished by God and empowered to play a role in the body of Christ (11:17).

        We see the central theme of the New Testament in this passage: God’s way of saving us and making us holy is by faith in Jesus.  All who believe in Jesus are made right with God.  All means everyone, anyone; His mercy is for you and me.  God’s way is to require people to accept Him and remain in Him.  God does the grafting.  But this picture of the olive tree requires something on our part.  The only pedigree that matters is the badge of faith in Jesus Christ.  Genuine faith.  Continuous faith.

        God knows his people.  We may be a small percentage of the nation as in Elijah’s time.  Or we can be the vast majority.  Either way, we must stay faithful to God.

        I like how Paul explains here that God chose to use the descendants of Abraham to declare His power, glory, character, goodness, faithfulness, creativity, justice, sense of humor, love, mercy, and purpose for creation.  It shows God’s faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  This is the same devotion He has for us.

        God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge are not for those who disobey.  He knows the people who continue to trust in His kindness.  The responsibility to turn from unbelief to belief is on every person.

        At some point, the full number of people will come to Christ.  God will take away the sins of everyone two trusts in Him.  I look forward to that day.  2 Peter 3 is my hope and expectation.

        Be not ashamed of the Good News of Christ.  Wear your badge of salvation with humility, thankfulness, and confidence in the One who created life and holds everything together.

        Shine your face, Lord God, on your Church today.  We’ve seen what you have done in our lives and our families.  Your mercy is overflowing.  Please bless America and Canada.  Please bless your people everywhere.  Please protect us.  Please raise up men and women strong in faith in Jesus, strong to stand against every attack and lie of the Devil.  Amen.

Kari and Arch.