Some time ago the analogy of our being grafted into God's family made me think of Zaccheus in the sycamore tree.
Spiritual lessons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zacchaeus
The story of Zacchaeus is used by some to illustrate [4] the saying of Jesus: "Blessed are the pure of heart, For they shall see God" Matthew 5:8. Zacchaeus whose name means pure, climbed up a tree, which represents the cross, and by being symbolically crucified with Christ, was able to see God (He who has seen Jesus has seen God John 14:9)
The sycamore tree, climbed by Zacchaeus, was considered "unclean" because it bore a fruit that was fed to pigs[5]. In the culture of the time it was humiliating for Zacchaeus to climb that tree. To see Jesus, Zacchaeus' pride had to be crucified. In Romans, Paul wrote "knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." Romans 6:6
Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Luke 19:8 Why fourfold ? Why not just pay back what he took? Exodus chapter 22 prescribes the restitution required when responsible for loss of another's property. Exodus 22:1-15 Restitution ranges from straight replacement for negligence, increasing up to two, four or five times replacement for various thefts. King David applied this rule when he said, "And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity."2Samuel 12:6 Rather than asking how little he could do to correct his past wrongs, Zacchaeus chose a generous restitution. He placed himself on guilty side of the spectrum of Exodus 22. Now he was living in maximum obedience to God. There was no law that required giving half of everything to the poor, but Zacchaeus chose that as well. Zacchaeus demonstrated Jesus' command, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24 Mark 8:34 Luke 9:23
4And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that [way].
5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7And when they saw [it], they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold.
9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
After seeing the video that Marianne Haworth posted (1 June 2009)
"urgent message for America from Perry Stone"
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/june2009/marianneh61.htm
In the video, Pastor Stone talks about the grafting of the good tree (olive in that case) to the wild tree.
I found it interesting that I had read about this way back and this video confirms how we are grafted into God's Family as gentiles being made heir to the everlasting inheritance as adopted sons and daughters cleansed from sin because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross.
It might not mean much to anyone other than me but let's say that I needed a confirmation that Our Father in Heaven is with us and that the Holy Spirit truly ministers to us these days.
Hang in there Brothers and Sisters, He is truly with us and soon we will be where He is.
In His love,
Barbara