Psalm 52:8
Monday, June 14, 2010
By: George Morrison

June 14, 2010

By Pastor George Morrison
CUFI's Region Three Director

“But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the loving kindness of God for ever and ever.”  Psalm 52:8

No matter what conditions; hot, dry, cold, wet, rocky or sandy, the olive tree will live and produce fruit.  It is said that you can never kill an olive tree.  Even when cut down or burned, new shoots will emerge from its roots.

The most striking use of the image of the olive tree in the Bible is in Romans 11 where Paul describes the relationship between Israel (the Jewish people and God’s ancient and ongoing covenantal relationship) and the church.  In fact, the entire three chapters of Romans 9-11 are focused on this topic and culminate with the olive tree image.  (Please take time to read this passage.)

Paul shows us that the olive tree represents the covenants and promises to Israel, growing from its holy root.  The natural branches are the people of Israel.  Christians are the wild branches grafted in among the natural branches to “become a partaker with them of the root and fatness of the olive tree,” which God established.  (Romans 11:17)

It is evident from scripture, as well as from nature, that root and trunk support the branches, and not vice versa.  (Romans 11:18)  In this position, there is no room for pride or the notion that we Christians have replaced Israel (the Jewish people) or that God rejected His own covenants and promises in the Hebrew scriptures (the Old Testament).  The church is an extension of a plan that pre-existed it.

The olive tree (Israel and the Jewish people) lives in spite of all efforts of those who oppose and fight against God’s will and purposes.  Paul goes on to say there should be nothing short of thankfulness for the Lord’s great mercies to us (Christians-Romans 11:33-36) as well as an attitude of love and mercy towards the Jewish people who are “beloved for the sake of the fathers.”  (Romans 11:28)

We see that God has purposed from the outset that Gentiles are to be a part of His plan, but not the whole plan.

One of the many important things we can do, and CUFI is doing, is to unite our efforts by going to Washington D.C. every year and lifting our voices in support of Israel and the Jewish people.  You can be a part of God’s wonderful plan for mankind by joining us in Washington D.C. on July 20-July 22.  There is no more important time for all of us to show our support.  For more information about the fifth annual Washington Summit click here or call (210) 477-4714.

Like the olive tree, God’s promises will prevail.