Scripture

” And all the trees will know that it is I, the Lord, who cuts the tall trees down and makes the short trees grow tall. It is I who makes the green tree wither and gives the dead tree new life. I, the Lord, have spoken and I will do what I have said.”

Observation

Ezekiel tells a parable about an eagle covered with many-coloured plumage. He seized the top of a cedar tree and plucked off its highest branch. He planted it in fertile soil beside a broad river. It took root and grew into a low spreading vine.

Another eagle came, and the vine grew towards him for water even though it already had plenty. The Lord will pull up this vine and cut off its fruit.

Ezekiel reveals that this parable is about the king of Israel. He and his officials rebelled against Babylon and sought help from Egypt. But Pharaoh will not step in when Babylon besieges Jerusalem. The Lord will punish the king, his soldiers and his officials for turning away from the Lord’s covenant.

Application

The Lord raises up kings and governments and the Lord pulls them down. Although this chapter is about kings and kingdoms, it applies to all people.

Often it seems to us that the powers and empires of the world are unshakable. After the Second World War communism in eastern Europe seemed permanent. But then, in the 1980’s, it all came crashing down almost overnight.

Individuals similarly can seem to be of high regard in a community. But then truth is exposed about their previous crimes or misdeeds and their reputation crumbles.

This is ultimately true of everyone who refuses to acknowledge and obey the Lord.

Listen

Lord, what do you want to say to me about this?

Keith, make sure you walk with me each and every day. I raise people up and I pull people down.

There are business men in your community who seem successful. They have built good businesses, but they are built on personal charisma, human wisdom and unethical practices,

I will destroy every business not built on the foundation of my word, I will raise up men and women who are faithful to me in their beliefs and in their actions.

Scripture

“You will remember your sins and cover your mouth in silent shame when I forgive you of all that you have done.”

Observation,

The Lord gives Ezekiel a parable about Israel.

He tells him that Jerusalem was like an abandoned baby left in its own blood. The Lord spoke life to the baby and it grew to into a healthy girl and then a beautiful woman. He rubbed fragrant oils into her skin, gave her expensive clothes and jewellery. She looked like a queen and her fame spread through the world.

Jerusalem thought her fame and beauty were her own doing. She gave herself as a prostitute to every man. This is adultery against the Lord.

So now the Lord will punish her for her adultery and idolatry. He will hand her over to those who were her allies and they will turn on her and destroy her.

The Lord will give her what she deserves but he will remember his covenant with her. He will forgive her and reaffirm his covenant with her. She will remember her sins and cover her mouth with silent shame when the Lord forgives her.

Application

Although our sins are terrible in the sight of the Lord, he will forgive us unconditionally,

We might recall our shame, but the Lord does not hold our sins against us. They no longer count.

Although the people of Ezekiel’s day had no knowledge of the cross of Christ, they did have the promise that God would forgive them and restore them.

Now, because of the blood that Christ shed on the cross, we can all know the awesome grace of Christ covering every sin.

We do have to receive this grace, though, and believe that in him we are forgiven of all unrighteousness.

Listen

Lord, is there more that you want to say to me about this chapter?

Keith, the leaders of Jerusalem were not content to worship other so called gods, they actually set up idols and worshipped them in my house

The adultery of this people, my own people, was beyond measure in every way possible. They trampled all that was holy.

I will not tolerate my chosen people, those who were called by my name chasing the world and not me. Every church that embraces the gods of the world will die. Even denominations that trample my holy name will be destroyed.