On May 30, 2006 Jerry wrote this journal entry, chosen for my use today. "They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand only through your faith, so do not become proud, but stand in awe."(Romans 11:20) Paul, here , is using the metaphor of an olive tree to signify God's plan for Israel. Some of the tree's natural branches are like the Jews who would not accept Jesus, so they have been snapped off. Therefore, there is room for believing Gentiles which are like wild olive tree branches now drafted onto the pure olive tree trunk.
"God's call to the Israelites is un-revocable. But, Jesus being the Messiah, is not acceptable to all Jews. In their place, we Gentiles who accept Jesus as the Son of God become the adopted children of God, and receive all of God's promises. Yet, we are never to be proud or haughty of having been adopted as Children of God who receive life eternal and the forgiveness of sin. We who have received this freely given gift of God's grace can only fall to our knees or stand in awe of God's mighty gift.
"I stand in awe that God would call me, a sinner, cut off from Him, to be a part of His Kingdom. Lord God, in humility and awe I stand ready to proclaim you to all. Use me as you will. Amen"
I truly believe that this is the attitude and the opportunity we must have and must use in this time and place in the world. Perhaps the time is growing shorter for some of us, but many who read this in the future will still have the opportunity to belong to the fellowship of believers. I know God would and will say, "Welcome to my world!"
With trust that my words will be welcome,
Jo INMN
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