Romans 11:16-21
16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But 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, 18 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. 19 Then you will say, Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
In the midst of an treatise about Israel and Gentiles, Paul makes a statement that caught my eye: "do not become proud, but fear" (verse 20). The fear he is referring to here is a fear of the Lord, a fear of the power and holiness of God. These days we tend to think of fear as a bad thing, and pride (or arrogance, see verse 18) in ourselves and our accomplishments as a kind of natural right. If I'm honest, it takes a certain amount of pride and arrogance to think that beautiful women would desire me. It takes arrogance to imagine that I could be a sexual virtuoso. It also takes arrogance to think that God will not notice or judge my sinful actions. This is why fear of the Lord is an antidote to pride and arrogance, for it reminds us of our proper relation to the Lord. If we approach both God and life with humility, then we will be blessed.
Lord, I confess to being proud and self-centered. Help me to fear You, and to replace my pride with humility.
16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But 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, 18 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. 19 Then you will say, Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
In the midst of an treatise about Israel and Gentiles, Paul makes a statement that caught my eye: "do not become proud, but fear" (verse 20). The fear he is referring to here is a fear of the Lord, a fear of the power and holiness of God. These days we tend to think of fear as a bad thing, and pride (or arrogance, see verse 18) in ourselves and our accomplishments as a kind of natural right. If I'm honest, it takes a certain amount of pride and arrogance to think that beautiful women would desire me. It takes arrogance to imagine that I could be a sexual virtuoso. It also takes arrogance to think that God will not notice or judge my sinful actions. This is why fear of the Lord is an antidote to pride and arrogance, for it reminds us of our proper relation to the Lord. If we approach both God and life with humility, then we will be blessed.
Lord, I confess to being proud and self-centered. Help me to fear You, and to replace my pride with humility.