19You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in."
20Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.
21For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
22Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
23And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
- P143
After explaining Israel’s failure to recognize Jesus Christ as Lord, Paul says that, because of Israel’s transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Paul is proud to minister to the Gentiles, but he also hopes to provoke envy in the Israelites and save some of them. He ponders the great riches that can come with the full inclusion of His people finally accepting the gospel. Let us be encouraged! - P144
As God’s people today, our stumbles, struggles, and spiritual stupors cannot stop His powerful love that is capable of saving and sanctifying anyone He chooses. - P144
May we remember Israel in our prayers, and remember Christ’s sacrifice, not just for one nation, but for all of His people around the world. - P144
Heavenly Father, You love Your chosen people, both Jews and Gentiles. As You spread salvation to all of Your people, help me to do my part to bring the good news to them. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P-1
24After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
- P143
Israel‘s stumble has resulted in salvation coming to the Gentiles to make Israelenvious. If Israel‘s rejection brings reconciliation, their acceptance will bringlife. Paul compares Israel to branches broken off an olive tree and Gentiles towild branches grafted in. He warns Gentiles not to boast but to continue inGod‘s kindness, or they too will be cut off.me - P143
Paul offers two analogies-dough and an olive tree-to illustrate that God‘soriginal promises to Israel‘s forefathers also apply to their descendants andto show the salvation process for both Israel and the Gentiles. - P144
Paul remindsthe Gentile believers that it is not by works that they are saved but by thesovereign grace of God. Thus, they should not be arrogant against Israel fortheir failures. We, too, should not be prideful in comparing ourselves to theworld‘s unrighteousness. - P144
We did not earn our way to God. It is Jesus Christwho earned our salvation for us. Therefore, let us be kind and compassion-ate to everyone as we do our part to help bring His salvation to the world. - P144
Heavenly Father, You love Your chosen people, both Jews and Gentiles. As You spread salvation to all of Your people, help me to do my part to bring the good news to them. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P145
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