Grafted branches
Day 568, Monday, Mar. 2
Romans 11:11-24
It was unbelief by some of the Jews that caused them to stumble, which opened up salvation to the gentiles, Paul said, but that unbelief is not justification for pride. In fact, the Jews have not stumbled beyond recovery, and the salvation of the gentiles is also at risk if they sink into unbelief.
“You do not support the root, but the root supports you,” he said. Branches were broken off that allowed us to be grafted on to the vine, but we are supported by God’s grace, not by our accomplishments.
In verses 11 and 14 Paul referred to the idea that the salvation of the gentiles could arouse the Jews to envy, which could lead to their return to belief.
The idea here seems to be that the joy of salvation will lead the gentiles—us—to live lives of such joy that they arouse envy in people who observe them. That is an indication of the kind of life Paul expects us to live in response to the blessing we have received: a life that is visibly blessed and a blessing.
If the stumbling of the Jews opened the way for our salvation, that should lead us into a desire to spread salvation back to them, not a feeling of superiority. “But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!”
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Monday meditation
Psalms 89:1-8
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’”
The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
Prayer focus
Let us sing of your great love forever—love shown first to your chosen people, then spread to the whole world.