Bishop Keith Butler
Oct 23, 2023
For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? (Romans 11:24)
We, who were once wild by nature, have been grafted into the family of God as sons and daughters of God. Understanding my family of faith includes the Jewish people, I make it a point every single day to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I pray for the Jewish people, and as a ministry, we have made the point to financially support the Jewish people every day. The Lord has blessed us because of it. He promised to do so in His Word.
Now, some refuse to help the Jewish people because they say that way back in their genealogy, they are a part of the “lost tribe” of Israel. When someone says that I always respond, “What does that have anything to do with it?” If you are a part of a lost tribe, fine. What about the other tribes? What about God’s people who are going through persecution and attacks by trying to stand for the land that God promised them?
See, just as some can miss the essence of faith by clinging to labels and divisions, it's easy to get entangled in endless and fruitless debates that miss the core message. God's truth transcends nationality, ethnicity, and pride. It's about being firmly rooted in His love, and allowing His Word to graft us into a new way of life.
So, let's be cautious of getting caught up in the branches of argument. Instead, let's focus on the root — Jesus. Let's live out the reality of being grafted into Him, allowing His life to flow through us. As we do, we'll find unity, strength, and the sweet fruits of His Spirit flourishing in and through us.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It’s imperative that we intercede for our brothers and sisters in faith, and God promises us peace and blessings when we do so.