What does "branches were broken off" teach about God's judgment and mercy? Setting the Scene: The Olive Tree Picture - Romans 11 paints Israel as a cultivated olive tree. - Natural branches = ethnic Israel. - Wild olive shoots = Gentile believers. - God, the wise gardener, manages both by breaking off and grafting in. “ ‘Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.’ ” (Romans 11:19) Why Branches Were Broken Off: God’s Judgment - Unbelief brings removal. “They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith.” (Romans 11:20) - Judgment is real and personal; God acts, not merely warns. • 2 Kings 17:18 – “So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from His presence.” • John 15:2 – “He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit.” - Severity is meant to sober hearts. “Take notice…of the kindness and severity of God.” (Romans 11:22) Mercy on Display: Grafting In Wild Branches - Gentiles did nothing to deserve inclusion; it’s sheer grace. “You stand by faith.” (Romans 11:20) - Mercy always has a purpose: to magnify God’s faithfulness to His covenant promise to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8). A Dual Lesson: Kindness and Severity in Balance - Severity to those who persist in unbelief. • Hebrews 3:19 – “So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.” - Kindness to those who continue in faith. • Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s loving devotion we are not consumed…great is Your faithfulness.” Warnings Against Arrogance - Grace received must never fuel pride. “Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.” (Romans 11:20) - The same God who cut off natural branches can cut off presumptuous grafted ones. “Otherwise you also will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22) - Philippians 2:12 – “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Hope of Restoration: Mercy Still Open - Broken branches are not forever discarded. “God is able to graft them in again.” (Romans 11:23) - Future national turning of Israel anticipated (Romans 11:26-27). - 2 Peter 3:9 – God is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Takeaways for Today’s Believer - Treasure faith; unbelief invites judgment. - Stand in humility; grace is unearned. - Keep in God’s kindness by continuing in obedient trust. - Pray and act with expectancy, knowing God can restore anyone, even those currently “broken off.” |
    |