¹⁷ And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, ¹⁸ do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
¹⁹ You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” ²⁰ Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. ²¹ For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. ²² Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.             Romans 11:17-22

God is not a poor story teller. He chooses His metaphors carefully. And this is one of our favorites. As Christians, we understand and can celebrate that we are grafted into the root that is Christ Jesus. His life has become ours; and the fruit we bear is His.

However, there are two related truths that we should be careful to consider:

1. A branch cannot be grafted into the new root unless it has been first cut off the wild root (away from, completely separated). Is it possible that we are not bearing the fruit of Christ because we are not grafted away from the wild root?  To co-reign, we must be co-crucified.
2. That which has been grafted in, can be cut off.  Remember, God is not a poor story teller. It is possible to be grafted in and then cut off. It may not mean what I think it means, but it must mean something. You put meaning to it.

From what source are you drawing your life?   Should you be concerned about the fruit you are bearing?  These are eternally important questions.

Your friend and His bondservant,

Rob