I have been told that grafting apples trees takes practice. I have not yet succeeded. The grafting of a scion (new budding branch) into the rootstock (main rooted tree) needs to be properly done at the most suitable time of the year, usually the springtime. The budding branch of one tree is combined with the already established tree to produce fruit of the farmer’s choosing. “The success of this joining requires that the vascular tissue grow together and such joining is called inosculation. The vascular cambium tissues of the stock and scion plants must be placed in contact with each other.” A previous neighbour of mine was successful in his grafting and was rewarded with delicious apples produced by a grafted-in branch, having been joined to an older apple tree.
An exegetical Bible Commentary says “the word (united) exactly expresses the process by which by which a graft becomes united with the life of a tree. So the Christian becomes grafted into Christ.” We have an essential life-giving attachment to our Lord.
We need to be reminded as Christians that we have been, like a scion, grafted into Jesus Christ, the root stock. Romans 6:5 states “since we have been united with him in his death, we will be raised to life as he was.” The phrase “united with him” is sometimes translated “planted together.” An exegetical Bible Commentary says “the word (united) exactly expresses the process by which by which a graft becomes united with the life of a tree. So the Christian becomes grafted into Christ.” We have an essential life-giving attachment to our Lord.
We live a victorious life as often as we practically realize the fact that we are one with Christ. Our position in Christ is so firmly rooted that our practice of Christian living is victory over sin and bearing fruit for God’s glory. When we trust Jesus as our Saviour we become, in the sight of God, forever affiliated with Him. We are to be often reminded of this union and consider it to be true regardless of the fickleness of feelings. Fact is, I am one with Christ. Faith accepts it to be so. Feelings find their suitable place when the facts and faith are settled.