Have you noticed how often trees are used throughout the bible to teach us about God and our relationship with Him? The 2 trees in the garden of Eden. The trees of Mamre where Abraham settled. The tree where Deborah judged. The cedars of Lebanon used to cover the walls of the temple. The budded staff of Aaron. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, He is like a tree. I am the vine, you are the branches. The tree on which Jesus was hung. The 2 olive trees and candle stands of Revelation and the Tree in the New Heaven bearing fruit. To name just a few.
We know that the truth about God is evident even in nature so that all may see and know about Him. But trees seem to play a prominent role in that revelation throughout the bible.
I think one message in all of this is the fact that we are all part of the one same tree that is our God. This is important to understand. There isn’t a Jewish tree and a Gentile tree. There isn’t an old testament tree and a new testament tree. We are part of the same tree.
Some were born into the grace and mercy and provision of the tree. Others were grafted in, but regardless of origin, we all are connected to and dependent on the living trunk and roots for everything.
Why would one branch fault another or claim superiority, if we are all truly part of the same tree? That would be an act of getting tangled upon one’s self instead of the right act of growth and bearing fruit. Our desire as part of the tree of life should be to grow the tree through all means, including bearing new fruit as well as a desire for other branches to be grafted in.
My Answers:
8.
Salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious
9.
Being grafted in is not a superiority over God’s chosen people – be humble and grateful, have faith and pray for the cut off branches that they may be rejoined
10.
He does not give me what I deserve but shows grace. He gives me numerous challenges and pain so that I remain humble and trust only in Him.
The Notes are Good 