Romans 11:17-24
17 But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. 18 But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.
19 “Well,” you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” 20 Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. 21 For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t[f] spare you either.
22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. 23 And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. 24 You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong.
In a time not too far from our own, there arose a land of endless potential, a place where the soil was rich, and the sun kissed the earth with warmth. This land was known as The New Garden, a prophetic place that symbolized the Kingdom work that God's people had been called to fulfill.
The New Garden wasn’t just a place of physical beauty but of deep spiritual purpose. Its name reminded all who entered of the first garden, where creation began and where God's original plan for humanity was to dwell in peace, working side by side, stewarding the earth together. Yet, as time passed, the lessons of the first garden seemed forgotten—until now.
The Burden of Leadership
At the center of this garden stood a mighty tree, tall and ancient, with branches that stretched wide, offering shade and fruit to all who sought it. This tree, known as the Tree of Covenant, bore the weight of many seasons and symbolized the enduring promise between God and His people. But beneath this tree sat a leader, worn and weary from the heavy burdens he carried alone.
This leader’s name was Shemaiah, and though he was wise and blessed by God, he found himself overwhelmed by the people’s needs. Like Moses of old, he loved them deeply but saw that the work was too great for him alone. Each day, people came from all corners of the garden, bringing their troubles, their disputes, and their questions. Shemaiah, though gifted, realized he could not carry the weight of the whole garden.
One evening, as the sun began to set and the golden light of the day turned to dusk, Shemaiah fell to his knees beneath the Tree of Covenant and cried out to God. "O Lord, this garden is vast, and Your people are many. How can I tend to them all? Their needs are great, and the task is too heavy for me alone."
The Divine Response
In the stillness of that moment, God spoke. His voice was like the rushing of wind through the trees, firm yet comforting. "Shemaiah, I have never called you to bear this burden alone. Just as I told Moses, I have prepared others among you, leaders who are wise, who understand the heart of My people. Choose them, not for their strength alone, but for their wisdom and their willingness to serve."
God instructed Shemaiah to go throughout the garden and find people who were not only capable but humble—those whose hearts were aligned with God’s purposes. He was to appoint them as caretakers of different parts of the garden, each responsible for tending to a section, ensuring that unity and justice prevailed.
The Rise of the Caretakers
The next morning, Shemaiah gathered the people under the great tree and shared what God had revealed. He spoke of the need for unity and strength—a strength not found in individual effort but in the collective work of God's chosen ones. The people agreed, recognizing the wisdom in Shemaiah’s words. Together, they chose from among them those who were respected for their insight, patience, and fairness.
These caretakers were given specific roles in the garden: some tended to the largest parts, nurturing the trees and ensuring that the soil remained fertile for future generations. Others watched over smaller sections, carefully attending to the details and ensuring that every vine and flower flourished. Some were appointed to resolve disputes, offering justice to the poor and rich alike, just as Moses had commanded. No one was greater than the other, for each role was crucial in making the garden thrive.
A Garden of Unity
As the caretakers began their work, something miraculous happened. The garden, which had once seemed impossible for one person to tend, flourished as it never had before. The unity of the people created a strength that no individual could have achieved alone. Each caretaker, working in their own area, brought forth life and abundance from the ground, and together they maintained the harmony of the garden.
But more than that, the people of the garden began to understand the deeper truth of their work. This garden was a reflection of God's Kingdom, a place where unity was the source of strength, where justice was rooted in fairness, and where the burdens of life were shared among many. Each person had a role to play, and in doing so, they reflected the heart of God Himself, who had always intended for His people to work together in harmony.
The Prophetic Vision
As the years passed, the New Garden became a place of peace and prosperity, a beacon to other lands. Word spread of this place where the people worked not out of competition but in unity, where leaders were chosen for their wisdom and humility, and where every person, from the smallest to the greatest, was valued.
In this garden, there were no disputes too great, for the caretakers brought their hardest cases to Shemaiah, who continued to seek God's guidance under the Tree of Covenant. And the people trusted, for they knew that the decisions made in the garden were not the decisions of men but the decisions of God.
The Call to Us
This prophetic vision of the New Garden speaks to us today. It reminds us that God’s design has always been one of shared responsibility, where unity brings strength and where justice is the foundation of all we do. Just as Moses appointed leaders to help bear the burden, and just as Shemaiah found strength in the unity of the caretakers, we too are called to work together, each using our gifts to fulfill God’s purpose.
May we remember that in God’s garden, no one works alone, and through our unity, we reflect the strength of the One who planted us here.
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