Grafted In

However, some of the branches have been pruned away. And you, who were once nothing more than a wild olive branch in the desert, God has grafted in—inserting you among the remaining branches as a joint partner to share in the wonderful richness of the cultivated olive stem. Romans 11:17 TPT

If the first portion [of dough offered as the first fruits] is holy, so is the whole batch; and if the root (Abraham, the patriarchs) is holy, so are the branches (the Israelites).

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you [Gentiles], being like a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them to share with them the rich root of the olive tree, do not boast over the [broken] branches and exalt yourself at their expense. If you do boast and feel superior, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by your faith [as believers understanding the truth of Christ’s deity]. Do not be conceited, but [rather stand in great awe of God and] fear [Him]; for if God did not spare the natural branches [because of unbelief], He will not spare you either. Romans 11:16-21 AMP

“Grafting is a technique that joins two plants into one. In general, a wound is created on one of the plants, and the other is inserted into that wound so each plant's tissues can grow together.” This statement reflects a prophetic picture of Isaiah 53:5: But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.

A miraculous thing happens when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior; we become heirs to the riches of God. Through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we are sealed by the blood of the Lamb, our name then entered into the Lamb’s book of life. His Kingdom emerges as our destined, divine, dwelling place. Supernaturally, we acquire His identity. No longer are we labeled as a refugee, for in Christ we belong.

This all transpires, when we say, “Yes.” to Christ.

We become more than immigrants in this glorious transition. We become sons and daughters of the Most High God. No longer a foreigner, even surpassing being a native citizen with legal rights, we become His children! We belong to the King of kings! As we accept Christ, His scepter is extended toward us, imparting the fullness of the King’s authority. Righteousness is inputted. The old is gone, and the new has come. Once we were in darkness, now we are called to live in His marvelous Light. Remarkably, because of our “Yes,” we can now follow Christ into the Holy of Holies by the blood of the Lamb, basking in the very presence of God.

With great humility we stand within the court of His Majesty, King Jesus. For, it is in Christ, we have been grafted in - to share in the glorious outflow of the olive tree.

May we stand emptied of ourself, allowing the presence of the Lord to flow freely through us, that we may enrich others. May our faces shine with the glory of Him.

God said, “Yes!” to our “Yes.” How glorious!

In Christ, we belong.

It is from the root of the olive tree, that eternal life flows, transforming the wild olive shoot from glory to glory.

In Him, we are:

Born again (John 3:16 AMP)

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Free (John 8:36 NKJV)

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Redeemed (Galatians 3:13 ESV)

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—

Bought with a price (1Corinthians 6:20)

You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Sanctified (John 17:18-19 NIV)

As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Full of Joy (Psalm 16:11)

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Sons and Daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV)

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”

(Romans 8:15 NIV) The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Strong (Isaiah 40:29-31 ERV)

He helps tired people be strong. He gives power to those without it.

Young men get tired and need to rest. Even young boys stumble and fall.

But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers.They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired.

Citizens (Ephesians 2:19 NIV)

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.

He is our:

Peace (Ephesians 2:14 NIV)

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

Provider ( Genesis 22:13-14) Jehovah-Jireh God My Provider

Righteousness (Jeremiah 33:16) Jehovah-Tzidkenu The Lord Our Righteousness

Guide (Psalm 23:1-3) Jehovah-Raah The Lord Is My Shepherd

Ever-Present Help (Psalm 46:1 NIV) My Helper (Psalm 27:9)

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 NOG)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Advocate (1John 2:1) Parakletos Our Advocate with the Father

Healer (Exodus 15:26) Jehovah-Rapha The Lord Who Heals

Father (Galatians 4:6) Abba Father

Be nourished in knowing Him!

Prayer

Father,

Help me to see myself as You see me, grafted in to the fullness of God.

The experiences of life have riddled me with insecurity; I long to feed upon Your Truth to find nourishment for my soul. I ask for Your healing touch to be released within this moment, healing me from the vulnerabilities that have crept in to bind me.

In the Name of Jesus, I cut the vines of insecurity that hinder me. In this moment, I accept the fullness of my identity as a joint partner to share in the wonderful richness of the olive stem. As I drink in Your attributes, may You nourish my soul with Your presence. Flood me with boldness, confidence, and the security that comes from knowing You. For, it is in You alone, that I find eternal nourishment.

I was once a wild olive shoot, a foreigner, who migrated from darkness into Your marvelous light. Now, through Christ, most assuredly, I have found where I belong.

I am grafted in!

Hallelujah!

Amen

Note:

“Grafting is a technique that joins two plants into one. In general, a wound is created on one of the plants, and the other is inserted into that wound so each plant's tissues can grow together.”

This excerpt is taken from thespruce.com. Posted on September 17, 2020.