Now I am speaking to you Gentiles... if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches.
If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.
Romans 11:13, 17-18

In Romans, chapters 9, 10, and 11, the Apostle Paul explains God’s relationship with the Jewish people and with the Christian Church, which in spite of its Jewish beginnings quickly grew to include more Gentiles than Jews.

Through the centuries since Paul wrote these words there have been many who teach that God rejected the Jews, that He replaced Israel with the Christian Church. This arrogant attitude has been used to excuse persecutions, pogroms, inquisitions, holocaust of World War II, and the horrible trend toward antisemitism that we see rising again today.

Paul explains in these chapters that throughout History there was always a faithful, chosen remnant within the nation of Israel. Gentiles who come to faith through the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, are grafted in to that remnant of faithful people.

Jew or Gentile, we stand before God by faith. If we trust in His Word, we’re His. If we reject His Word, fail to believe and live by it, Jew or Gentile, we are rejected.

They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you.
Romans 11:20-21

We have to approach God with proper respect: the Bible even calls it “fear.” Don’t presume to look on the people that He chose to be His mouthpiece to the world, to bring you the Bible and to give you the Savior, as though He had totally rejected them.

The faithful remnant, Jews and Gentiles, who believe His Word and come to Him in repentance and faith are that living olive tree of His chosen people.

Whether you are Jewish or Gentile, be one of the Chosen. Approach God with fear, love, and trust. Receive His Word of forgiveness and be His own, for the Messiah’s sake. Don’t let hate or arrogance creep in to your heart.

Lord, give us peace as we surrender in repentance and faith to You. Guide me today in Your truth, and keep me close, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles