Reading
SAA Notes
God does not have some plan for Israel the nation apart from Christ. Some Christians believe that modern Israel is the focus of Old Testament prophecy. John declares that the spirit (or focus) of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus – not modern Israel. (Revelation 19:10b) Modern Israel’s hope is to be ingrafted into Christ as natural branches!
SJA Notes
* Gracious Lord God, Your power brought creation into being, and Your power continues to sustain creation until the last day. Please teach us of who You are today.
“… Do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.”
Here is an important truth for us as God’s people to be continually reminded of.
We are the be-all and end-all of God’s church.
God is the one who builds His church (not us).
In John chapter 15 we read these words from Jesus,
“I am the vine; you are the branches;”
Jesus continues, that the faithful are marked by “abiding in Jesus”,
“If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”
Paul knew God’s word. Paul would have known John’s gospel, about being cut off from the root, the branches broken off, the in-grafting of other branches.
Regardless of whether natural or wild branches, JESUS IS OUR ROOT, the TRUE VINE.
We are grafted into HIM. Jesus supports us, as branches are supported by the root, by the vine.
May we abide in Him today and onwards.
* Gracious Lord,
Thank You that Jesus is the true vine, and that in Your kindness You have grafted us into Him.
Please help us to resist spiritual arrogance.
Remind us each day that we are not the foundation – You are!
Please help us to abide in You today.
Amen.