Grafted In

 

My husband has worked as a landscaper for most of his teenage years. When we bought our first home, the first thing he did was enhance the backyard with a variety of trees and shrubs. We also have a good selection of fruit-bearing trees. Gardening, along with maintaining orchards and vineyards, has a long history in his family. Periodically, his father and uncle—who were expert vinedressers in the past—come to visit and properly prune our trees and grapevines. I've learned so much about tree care from them. One of the most fascinating aspects of gardening for me is grafting.

Grafting is the process of joining two plants together. In this technique, a branch from one tree is inserted into the trunk of another tree, allowing it to grow and produce fruit. The once lifeless branch now receives sap and nutrients from the tree to which it has been grafted.

Grafting also has deep spiritual symbolism and meaning. It illustrates the impact of dwelling on God's word. Without God, our minds are like lifeless branches; our thoughts are pointless and incapable of producing meaningful results (Eph. 4:17).

However, when we dwell on and immerse ourselves in God’s word, His thoughts—the good sap and nutrients—begin to flow and bring life to our once-lifeless minds. The more we focus on His word, the more we facilitate this life-giving flow.

Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, …(Pr. 1:23)

…If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,... (Ro. 11:17)

It’s important to understand that a preparation occurs just before the branch is grafted. The gardener prepares the branch by trimming its end. My husband’s uncle explains that the branch must be "wounded." This step is necessary for the vascular system of the branch to align with that of the tree. I must say, nothing captures our attention and focus more effectively than pain, whether it is physical, emotional, or mental. Sometimes it takes a season of testing and trials to direct our focus toward God and His word. Now, the once lifeless and hopeless branch is ready to receive nourishing sap from the life-giving tree and be healed.

 …and my Father is the gardener.  (John 15:1)

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly…(Pr. 3:18)