2 Samuel 1-2
Psalm 52
Romans 11
-Devotion by Sarah Johnson (MN)
I have personally never practiced tree grafting. I did a quick online search to better understand the process, where I learned a few things. Although the process is not very labor intensive, it requires a lot of precision and time before there is any success. Those branches tend to be very easily torn away from the root when disruption occurs, or just reject the graft and die out. Grafting is known in many circles of horticulture as a science and an art.
When considering this metaphor, it highlights to me the real validity to Paul’s warning to us Gentiles in verse 20. We have been grafted into an amazing promise, but we aren’t naturally connected to the root. This should cause us to tremble! Indeed, we know nothing can separate us from the love of God, but we also know our own rejection of the root will certainly cause us to lose our life source. We need to take a moment to understand that God’s kindness will continue, provided we continue in His kindness (v. 22).
What would it look like to reject the root we have been grafted into? It could be rejecting the truth of Jesus Christ, by denying him as the Messiah. It could look like ignoring the expectations we have for humbling ourselves, or not confessing and turning away from sin. It could also look like attempting to keep ourselves connected by our own hand, thinking we can create our own life source out of “doing good”, ultimately rejecting grace (v.6). David writes with similar imagery in Psalm 52:3-7, describing the man who trusted himself rather than making God his stronghold, and as a result, was uprooted! In all of these things, our own actions are the common denominator. No, there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. And yet, we must cling to the life-giving root in order to be saved.
More than that, we should be rooting for others (pun only slightly intended) to also cling to the same source of life we are! Our God has the desire to graft ALL in – the root is not going anywhere, and all are welcome, but they must accept the source.
I learned something else in my searches on tree grafting… a failed graft can be redone until it’s completely dead. It may take extra time and attention, some readjusting, pruning, and reconnecting, but it can be done and still become a successful branch that bears fruit! Failures in our faith walk can often be corrected, and we have an incredibly patient and merciful God who loves to give second (and third, or fourth) chances. To Him be the glory forever!
Reflection Questions
- Have you had moments where you have experienced being “re-grafted” back to the root? How have those experiences shaped and changed how you grow today?
- Why do you think some people may reject the “root”? What way could you share the gospel with them that would be more impactful?
Prayer:
Dear God, I praise You for the life You give and for Your wisdom and knowledge which are so far beyond my own. Help me not be blind to You, Your purpose, Your kindness, as well as Your severity. Help me see Your ways and walk in them always, guiding others also to come to You to be miraculously grafted into Your life-giving way through Your Son.
Seek Grow Love 