Grafting Trees

“Some of the tree's branches were pruned and you wild olive shoots were grafted in. Yet the fact that you are now fed by that rich and holy root gives you no cause to crow over the pruned branches. Remember, you aren't feeding the root; the root is feeding you.” (Romans 11:17-18 MSG)

Grafting is the practice of joining two plants together permanently so that they will continue to grow as a single organism. There are many steps to this delicate process. An established tree with a good root system is the ideal place to start. If this tree is not producing the right kind or amount of fruit that the gardener desires, the original branches are pruned off and new scions (tender shoots from another plant) are attached. Scions are chosen for desirable characteristics--delicious fruit, beautiful flowers, ease of harvest, etc. The rootstock, the lower portion of the established tree, provides water and nutrients to the scions that have been grafted onto the trunk. A cleft is cut into the bark of the rootstock. The scion is also cut on one end before it is inserted into the bark of the established plant. Proper alignment and pressure are necessary for the process to succeed. The grafting site is wrapped until both plants learn to ‘communicate’ through their vasculature, joining together to become one.

Those who trust God have been grafted into the rootstock of Christ. Our survival and productivity depend on our assimilation with the nurturing root system. Although the scion becomes the visible part of the tree that displays all the foliage and fruit, it still remains completely dependent on the root. Similarly, we are called to flourish in holiness while sustained by Christ. The Master Gardener cuts each of us gently, but precisely--before grafting us to the rootstock. He aligns us properly and applies the right amount of pressure. In time, we learn to communicate with the root through trust and prayer. We are wrapped in grace and love until we are conformed to Christ.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NLT)