Day 7 – Wild Olive tree

(Olea europaea subs. africana)

“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.” Romans 11:17 NLT

My fascination with trees mentioned in scripture sprouted from this verse. I have been studying all the information I could find about olive trees and the precious products made from it. But time and time again, I find myself in awe of this verse because of the grafting characteristic.

Grafting is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined to continue their growth together. The upper part of the combined plant is called the scion while the lower part is called the rootstock. The success of this joining requires that they grow together in unison.

Paul describes the Gentiles (that would be any non-Hebrew believer like you and me) grafted (joined) to grow together in unity as a Body of Christ (the root), sharing in the rich nourishment (all the promised blessings) from the root of God’s special olive.

Prayer: Father, thank You for creating a way to graft us into Your Kingdom through Jesus. May the rich nourishment from the root help us grow in relationship with You and bear good fruit pleasing to You. You have not left us to be wild olives but grafted us into Your love. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza