Thursday, April 21, 2011

Ezekiel 17

Wow, God spoke to Ezekiel and told him to speak to Israel in a parable. I thought that they were only relegated to the NT and from the lips of Jesus. I guess I shouldn't be surprised since Ezekiel was called the "son of man". The parable was about two eagles and a vine. The first one came to Lebanon which took of the top of a cedar tree and planted it in a city of traders in fertile soil. He planted it and became a low spreading vine (like ivy). The other eagle plant one ( it seems from the first one) and was planted in fertile soil but near abundant water where it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a "splendid vine". He was to say to the Israelites from the Lord, "will it survive? will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit and wither and die"? The parable was to show the similarities between the king of Babylon and how he was able to lure the kingdom of Jerusalem so it would remain low and never reach its destiny. Only with the Lord who can provide Living Water will any kingdom or individual truly flourish and prosper (like the man in Ps. 1). He alone can make the tall tree low and the low tree grow tall. The similarities are there between Jerusalem and Judah.

What a remarkable passage. This analogy of trees and vines have been sprinkled around the Bible to remind us that He alone is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the one that dictates and is in control. As we approach the Easter season, the Vine is alive and the branches should rejoice!

Praying for GG as he heads back to CO, still savoring the times we talk, pray and listen to each other. I know that our schedules are not congruent and that there will be times of silence, but at least we both know that we love each other and love Him as well. Finally got my stuff done so I can go to get this foot taken care of and looking forward to the weekend, albeit with lousy weather pending.

Praise for today: that He took that long walk and was mocked, crucified and rose for me!

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