Romans 11

The ground all around, covered with thorns and thistles, briars and bushes, making it very difficult to even approach the base of the tree.  The undergrowth was very thick, yet despite the difficulties and challenges, the man was determined to get to that tree.  With strong and precise hands he cleared a way to the tree, and cleared away the vines that entangled the branches he had set his eyes on.  Having chosen them with care and concern, he began his work to remove these branches from the wild tree that had been left alone to it's own ruin.  But these branches would have a different end.

After carefully carrying the limbs to a new place and laying them gently on the well manicured green grass, the man began his surgical work on a good tree.  Carefully cutting deep into the trunk of the good tree, he removes old branches and prepares new homes for the chosen branches.  Cutting and trimming them, he places them within the holes in the good tree.  Grafting in the branches from the wild tree into the good tree the man supports them and binds them in place.

Daily the Gardener tends to and cares for the grafted in branches; making sure they grow and become healthy and strong.  The Gardener know just what to do, just how to trim, just how to cut; so that the branches take hold of the good tree and begin to thrive with the life giving flow from the roots.  The wild branches have become part of the good tree, only by the wisdom of the Gardener.

"33 - O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!  34 - For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor?  35 - Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?  36 - For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

The wisdom and ways of God are so amazing to me.  To know that the only reason I have had an opportunity to experience the wonders of the Grace of God, is because He chose me and grafted me out of the wild tree and into the good tree.  To know that He, in His infinite wisdom, allowed his chosen people to turn their backs on the Messiah and give opportunity to the Gentiles, of which I am one, to become a part of His chosen people, boggles my mind.

WE ARE SO BLESSED!  God has given us that which was not ours; a place in the family tree.  I am so thankful God has chosen to take me out of the sinful world and care for me as he does.  Daily, he checks on me, and cares for me, and makes sure I am growing in the Truth of God's Love and Word.

Brethren, walk through this day, knowing that God has chosen you, set you apart, and grafted you into His Tree.  One day, we will be able to sit around God's table forever.

God is so good; All the time!

Ronald Waller