Grafted In

I often am asked about the Menorah/Fish/Star of David symbol at left. The symbol illustrates the ‘grafting in’ of Christians to the Jews. 

As always we go to the Scriptures for the Truth of the matter! The Apostle Paul wrote beautifully on this, pointing out not only the importance of the grafting, but also of the original plant & root. He wrote in Romans 11:17-25: But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery--so that you will not be wise in your own estimation--that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;

I think it both beautifully illustrates the Christian grafting into the tree, as well as the importance to value the its Jewish roots. Christians are to care for, support, love and pray for the natural branch (Israel) because as he illustrates, if the plant & root die, so do the grafted-in branches.

In the first century ‘Christian’ was a derogatory term used to refer to Jews who had believed Jesus was the promised Messiah who had come. Not 2 separate religions. Blame for the separation into 2 religions both to the early Christian church and the Jews. Sadly!

That menorah/fish symbol have been found in early archeological digs in Israel, I’ve written about it here on my blog before. Some Scriptures which illustrate that wonderful menorah/fish symbol further are......

Ephesians 2:14
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,

Ephesians 1:5
He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

Galatians 3:7
Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 
and similarly, Jesus said in discourse to the Pharisees in John 8:41-45:
You are doing the things your own father does.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!

There are few who call themselves Christian who love or even care about Israel & the roots of our religion, which is Judaism. Truly, I believe it’s only when we know the OT & embrace the roots of Christianity that our Spiritual walk with God, the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob truly awakens. If you wish to know more about Christianity from its roots, I highly recommend you visit Ariel Ministries (ariel.org), the ministry of Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum.

Love & Shalom!