Sunday, October 6, 2013

Ezekiel 17

Message: Another beautiful picture here ultimately of God at work among His people. He is the author of life and rescues people and establishes them no matter their appearance. He makes the short tall.

Time: A word from the Lord. This time a riddle.

What the Lord is Saying:

Two eagles are presented.

First one comes to Lebanon. It is large and colorful. When to the top of the tree and plucked off its highest branch. The eagle carried the branch to a city filled with merchants (sellers) and planted it there. He took a seed, planting it beside a river where it would grow. It took root and grew into low spreading vine. It produced strong branches and put out shoots (which help the tree regrow). Thus, a strong vine. But low. 

The eagle appears to be the Lord, establishing his people, making them strong and multiply.

Second eagle. Similar in appearance to first.  The vine and branches went toward the eagle. It was planted well. It flourished and grew into a splendid vine, producing rich and luscious fruit.

But the Lord speaks and asks if the vine will grow. No. He will put it up, it won't transplant well, despite it being in good soil.

Riddle explained by the Lord.

The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem. He took the leaders, the princes away (into exile) establishing a treaty, making these leaders loyal to him. Their survival centered then on the king. The treaty was made by the leaders. One man revolted, getting Egypt involved. Problem: A treaty cannot be broken.

The Lord wants people to keep their oaths that they make in His name.

The Lord reminds the people that He is in control. He plants. He produces growth. He produces safety for those near His branch. Don't look at the size of the tree, for it is the short tree that flourishes. He gives the dead tree new life.

Promise: God is in control.

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