May, 2001

By Dr. Mary Craig

Grafting is a process, a joining of the cut surfaces of plants under circumstances that will allow physiological union. The supporting plant is called the stock. The plant part that is grafted to it is called the scion. The scion may be a twig, stem, bud, or other part of a plant. The ability of the cut surface to heal depends on intimate contact between the cambium layers of the scion and the stock. The cambium layer, a ring of reproductive tissue around the stem, produces callus tissue. In a successful graft, callus tissue differentiates to form food-conducting vessels, water-conducting vessels, and a cambium layer, which connect the corresponding tissues of scion and stock. (Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia, Microsoft Corporation, 1993-1995)

Romans 6.5, 6 says "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."

The stock, or supporting plant, must be wounded to receive the scion. Grafting requires wounding, both of the support plant and the scion. In a relationship of wound to wound, access is obtained to the fellowship of the sap and life of the stronger stem.

Believers are planted into the likeness of Christ’s death, wound to wound, partaking of the life and the power that are in Him. In Christ’s open wounds a place is prepared where we might be grafted in. In our woundedness and brokenness, a place is prepared that we might be grafted in. As we are torn away and cut off from where we grew by nature, we are cut and conformed to the place prepared for us in the wounded stock. Grafted into the Body of Christ, crucified with Christ and abiding in Him, we live in the power of His endless life. We draw life from the Vine.

"Abide in the wounds of Jesus; there is the place of union, and life, and growth. There you shall see how His heart was opened to receive you; how His flesh was rent that the way might be opened for your being made one with Him, and having access to all the blessings flowing from His divine nature." (Andrew Murray)

The Holy Spirit fits us for fellowship. Think about this the next time that you receive communion. Discern the Lord’s Body. Think about how this changes our perspective on the sufferings of the present day.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8.18

© 2001 Mary Craig Ministries, Inc.

mary@marycraig.org