Grafted

Rom. 11:19-21

Then you will say, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob";

Some pretty strong warnings in this passage! First warning: do not be arrogant toward the branches. Paul explained that some branches [Israel] were taken off so that Gentiles, who were wild olive shoots, could be grafted in and share in the nourishing root of the olive tree. His warning meant that Gentiles have nothing to blow their horns about. It is not the Gentiles who support the root but the converse is true. 

Second warning: They [natural branches] were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. For in a similar way, the Gentiles could be broken off for their unbelief. We must stand fast in our faith. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm you calling and election. Diligence is necessary. Just because the Gentiles were saved by faith and not by works, does not mean we can be free and easy with our salvation. In fact the converse is true. We can not stand in the power of our own works but only in Jesus, His blood, His grace, and His power perfected in human weakness. 

Third warning: 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.  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. It's pretty clear that the believer needs to live in the kindness of the Lord, for if he changes that, He will be cut off. 

Fourth warning: Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Don't be wise in our own eyes! Don't think we control our destiny and can do whatever with our faith. Not so!!

Arrogant, proud, ignoring the kindness of God , wise in our own eyes...This describes most of the world today, as well it should describe someone who doesn't know the Lord. But for the person who knows Jesus and has had his heart transformed, it should never be. Peter says, Therefore brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election. We should not waste the time that has been granted to us. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us to His own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us His precious and very great promises so that we may become partakers of the divine nature...
We must look into the mirror of the Word and not turn away forgetting what we have seen, but instead, we must see ourselves truthfully, falling on our knees in confession, and asking for grace and mercy in time of need.

Father,
Thank You for grafting me into the root, Jesus Christ. I so want to live for You.Give me Your strength and grace each day so that I may stand fast in my faith.
In Jesus name,
Amen