Its Branches

Jeremiah 11:16 (NIV)

The LORD called you a thriving olive tree

with fruit beautiful in form.

But with the roar of a mighty storm

he will set it on fire,

and its branches will be broken.

The branches of the olive tree of Israel have been broken off and wild olive branches of the Gentiles are grafted on the stump that remains. The stump is alive with its roots deep in the earth of the promised land. The grafted branches are alive and reach into the kingdom of heaven. 

The Lord looks for the fruit of the new covenant of the Holy Spirit that emerges from the seed of His word. Those branches that do not bear the fruit of the Spirit will likewise be broken off and burned. It is through our obedience we respond to His love for us with reverent love for Him.