Rome. Look here in Romans, the eleventh chapter.
“‘If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.’”
David finished off his sandwich and took a sip of water. “We are grafted in—adopted, so to speak. God clearly warns us not to feel superior to the natural branches. Ask yourself if you’re feeling superior to the Jews. You see, Jim, Jesus was Jewish and under the everlasting covenant with Abraham. As Gentiles, we were not a part of that covenant, but only by being grafted in Jews do we become the chosen people.”
Jim looked up. “I can’t believe I’ve never been told any of this. I don’t ever remember you preaching this, Pastor. I’m sort of in shock. This is huge information.”
David slowly shook his head. “Jim, I’ve taught this over and over throughout the years. There is so much more. I want you to study this chapter in Romans. Read Romans, chapter eleven, and get back with me so we can discuss it.”
“Oh, I will, Pastor. This has got my attention. Thank you so much for clarifying this. I feel like I’ve been so ignorant, and I—well, I’m feeling a little ashamed of myself.”
“Jim, don’t ever think that the Jews killed Jesus, or that the Romans killed Jesus, or that anyone else killed Jesus. Jesus wasn’t murdered; He gave His life willingly on the cross to atone for our sins. If He had changed His mind, He could have called legions of angels to stop the crucifixion. We owe the Jews so much. Many Christians don’t think about it. The Jews preserved the Word of God on the Scrolls of the Torah. In fact, Jews wrote the New Testament, except for the books of Luke and Acts. We’ve got to put that replacement theology where it belongs, in the circular file! We cannot tolerate anti-Semitism in any form in this congregation. And by the way, to answer your question about my relationship with Lyza Lane, it’s none of your business. When it gets to the point that it is your business, I’ll let you know.”
David smiled. “I’d like to walk back to the church. Call me if you have any questions.”
Jim picked up the check and made his way to pay the cashier.
Walking back to the church, David began whistling a low pleasant tune. He felt happy in spite of Jim’s accusations. He went to his office, picked up the article, sat on the edge of his desk, and read:
LANE HEIRESS AND NEW MYSTERY MAN
There’s a new man in Lyza Lane’s life these days, and no one seems to know from whence he came. Here they are, entering the Lane Estate for the annual Save the Orchids ball thrown each year by Lana Lane, founder and director of the cause. Lyza recently recovered from the Swiss Air Flight 688 crash in the North Sea. She and five others were the only survivors out of two hundred ninety-two crew and passengers.
Lyza remained in a coma for over a month after the accident and made a swift recovery. We expect her to soon resume her normal duties at L. L. Lane Unlimited. Hard hitting and demanding, Lyza will surely be welcomed back to the company with open arms, especially by her father, who swore never to put business ahead of his family again. Interesting how people tend to drop back into their old habits in a short time.
Lyza, known for her business acumen, has more than once gone the distance to make huge money for the corporation, traveling abroad most of the year. She shows no sympathy for whomever her grandiose decisions might affect. All business and no play made Lyza a boring date until now. Witnesses report romantic sparks with last night’s escort. Something’s changed since the crash. Everyone’s asking who the new man is in her life, and even more importantly, when did Lyza Lane decide to have a personal life? Please report future sightings to our tip line.
***
Leesa made her way to the huge kitchen. She noticed Lyza had already left the twins’ estate, probably for the office. The Save the Orchids benefit ended up being fun after she, Tim, Gary, and Julie left and went to the same bowling alley they’d escaped to a couple of years before.
“Good morning, Leesa.” Cook came in with a basket of fresh flowers from the gardens outside. “What can I fix you this morning?”
“I’m hungry. Could you fix me some blueberry crêpes?”
“Coming right up, blueberry crêpes for Leesa.” Cook started bustling about the kitchen, and Leesa sat at the oversized kitchen bar. “Have you had coffee?”
“No, but that sounds good.”
Cook poured while Leesa got cream and sugar. “The patio looks inviting. I’ll be out there. It’s so nice today, I think I’ll work at home.”
“All righty. I’ll bring your crêpes out soon. Have you recovered from the benefit the other night?”
“It was fun, except for—well, you know. It’s not that the benefit was boring, it was just that Mother and Father have never quite accepted the fact that their only daughters are grown. They were all over Lyza about her date.”
Cook lit the stove. “Oh my, I was afraid of that. They’ll get over it. I’m sure it will take some time.”
“Probably. I’ll be blissfully working on my project. I’ve decided I can make an old cannery into a wonderful theme park. And Seattle needs one, so I’m sure it’ll be a rousing success.”
Leesa took her coffee out onto the spacious patio, looking into a clear sky and picturesque surf. She sat in a lounge chair beside the oversized pool and contemplated her newest project: Kramer’s Island. It would be a makeover of the tiny island off the coast of Seattle where Kramer’s Kannery operated for many years. The cannery closed years ago, leaving everything in a state of disrepair, but Tim, her best friend and an architect, agreed it had great potential. She punched his speed dial on her cell phone.
Tim answered pleasantly, “Hello, Leesa. What are you up to this morning?”
“I’m thinking we need to get back to Kramer’s Island. The project is coming along quickly. A lot of the design and construction is winding up, so we need to go on some inspections. I also have some fresh ideas to incorporate into the project.”
Tim chuckled. “Sure, when do you want to leave?”
Leesa thumbed through her daytimer. “Now is not too soon. But you need some notice, so how soon can you leave?”
“I can leave tomorrow, Tuesday. But I think we should meet to discuss these new ideas before we go. Can you meet this afternoon?”
“Sure.” Pleased, Leesa answered, “But I’m working at home today. Can you come over here around two o’clock?”
“Two o’clock should work. I’ll see you then.”
At two o’clock, loaded down with blueprints and his computer, Tim pulled into the private drive of the Lane twins’ estate. Security allowed him access and alerted Leesa that Tim would be at the door in a few minutes. She met him on the porch.
She smiled. His sandy blond hair accentuated his tan, looking especially good to her that afternoon. “Right on time.”
“Of course. I didn’t come planning to disappoint you in any way.”
She opened the door. “Come in, silly one. We have work to do.”
“Oops, are you sure you’re not Lyza? She’s the workhorse.”
Leesa’s teeth clenched. “No, I’m not Lyza, but I work as hard as she does.” Then she brightened. “I’m just not as mean!”
They chuckled in unison as they climbed the stairs to Leesa’s wing of the house. Leesa warned