¹⁷ But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. ¹⁸ But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.

¹⁹ “Well,” you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” ²⁰ Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. ²¹ For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either.

Perspective

I supposed it’s human nature. I’ve seen so many people do it. In fact, there have been times when I’ve been guilty of it. I’ve met people who criticize others who do it. They tell me how it kept them from following Christ for many years. And now, years after they began their journey with God, they do the very same thing.

I’m talking about judging those who are not following God. Pointing fingers at them. Thinking less of them.

Paul has turned his attention back to the Gentiles with this passage, and he reminds them that they should be careful not to be too critical of the Jewish people who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. They should not be too proud of the fact that God has extended grace to them. Or that he has welcomed them into his family.

As I’ve said, I meet a lot of people who seem to be proud of the fact that they are part of God’s family and someone else is not. Rather than grieve for the soul of another, they take delight in the way things have played out.

“Well, they deserved it.” Is their reply when they hear of a drug dealer who is killed, or an outlaw biker is sent to jail. They ignore the homeless man with a smug, “He should get a job.” They see the hooker as someone less than human. Someone not worthy of any respect.

Never lose sight of the truth of Paul’s words: you are just a branch, not the root.

My prayer: Lord, may I never see myself as better than another. I’m not. You love that drug dealer, outlaw biker, prostitute as much as you love me. You heart is to see them come into relationship with you. To become part of the very same family I am part of. May I never lose sight of that truth. May my heart break for them the way yours does. And my I see myself as the same as they are – someone in need of your grace. Amen.

Until tomorrow.