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 more of You 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 God’s people, a truth to be continually reminded of.
We today in our groupings are not the be-all and end-all of God’s church.
It is God who builds His church, not us.
It is God who sustains His people, not us.
In John 15 we read these words from Jesus,
“I am the vine; you are the branches;”
Jesus continues,
“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 would have known John’s gospel, this 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.
HE supports us, as branches are supported by the root, by the vine.
Let us choose humility and graciousness today, rejecting arrogance and self-importance.
May we abide in Christ. Today and onwards.
* Gracious Lord,
Thank You that Jesus is the true vine.
Thank You that in Your kindness You have grafted us into Him.
Please help us to resist spiritual arrogance.
May we abide in You today.
Amen.