18 … But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
Romans 11:18-23
Wow! Paul is a straight talker. There isn’t much to comment on in this passage. Our impressiveness is in the root not in us. Branches were not broken off because of our excellent qualities – they were broken off because they were in unbelief. We are not grafted in because of our superior character qualities but because we believed. This should make us humble not arrogant. We should always remember our status is based on being connected to the root. That connection is dependent on our humble faith.
Here we really should reflect on God’s perfect character. His character cannot make excuses for sin. Iniquity cannot be overlooked. Trespasses must be dealt with. Yet God is love so He dealt with all these issues in Christ on the cross. God’s character is above reproach and it spans all extremes. Notice how harsh God is with unbelievers and how kind He is with believers. Believing in the work of Christ brings you into His family, period. Not believing in Christ’s provision gets you cut off, period.
Our hope is in continuing in His goodness so that we will have His holiness imparted to us as sons. Our desire is that others will join us in belief so that they can be grafted in. For He Is Able To Graft Them.
Supported By The Root,
Pastor Jason
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