Just A Branch
Scripture:
17 But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree, some of the Jews, have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, were grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in God’s rich nourishment of his special olive tree. 18 But you must be careful not to brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. Remember, you are just a branch, not the root. 19 “Well,” you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” 20 Yes, but remember—those branches, the Jews, were broken off because they didn’t believe God, and you are there because you do believe. Don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. 21 For if God did not spare the branches he put there in the first place, he won’t spare you either. (Romans 11:17-21 NLT)
We, as believers, are only grafted in; we are only a branch and not the root. They, the Jews, who did not believe, were only broken off so that those of us who do believe could be grafted in. This idea of not being proud, not bragging about who we are or what we can do, applies not just to our place with God, but to all of life. Paul goes on in Chapter 12 of Romans to give us simple guidelines of how to live life. He says, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning. Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” (Romans 12:3 NLT) I want to remember this as I live my life, and not be a hindrance to others because I act proud or arrogant.
Lord, I thank You today that I am a branch; that You were willing to graft me onto the tree of life in You. I will remember that I am not the root. I will remember that You made a place for me by Your love and grace. I love You. AMEN
I will wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. You alone are my rock, my salvation, my fortress, Father God. Psalm 62
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