Lenten Devotions - Day 35

“Someday, I, Yahweh, will cut a tender twig from the top of a cedar tree, then plant it on the peak of Israel's tallest mountain, where it will grow strong branches and produce large fruit. All kinds of birds will find shelter under the tree, and they will rest in the shade of its branches. Every tree in the forest will know that I, Yahweh, can bring down tall trees and help short ones grow. I dry up green trees and make dry ones green. I, Yahweh, have spoken, and I will keep my word.” Ezekiel 17:22-24

Ezekiel’s words spring from the perspective of the Babylonian exile. Israel had been dispersed under the Assyrians and Judah had found itself deported to Babylon. Zedekiah, king of Judah had signed a treaty with Babylon, swearing to it by the name of Yahweh. He had then broken the treaty, seeking alliance with Egypt to protect Judah from Nebuchadnezzar. What had once been a people under the great kings, David and Solomon was now a captive remnant bowed under the sway of Babylon.

Ezekiel’s words were a reminder that Yahweh was had been behind the deportation. Zedekiah’s broken vow was not simply treachery against Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar, but against Yahweh who had brought Babylon to power. In struggling against Babylon, Judah had struggled against God. Now they could see in retrospect that the deportation to Babylon was the plan and design of Yahweh to bring the nation back into faithful submission.

Ezekiel’s words are a reminder of judgment. They are not, however, simply a message of judgment and condemnation. They are also words of hope. What God had dried up and deported to exile through Babylon would also be restored. In the meantime there, Judah had the opportunity to repent and turn back to Yahweh in anticipation of being restored. Rather than depending upon human strength, strategy, and military might, they should depend upon Yahweh’s amazing restoration of a dried-up branch. Yahweh who had created the world was powerful also to restore those sent into exile.

Cedars are not known for producing fruit, but Ezekiel speaks of a new tree that would offer back to Yahweh devotion and action of submission and service. In the search for restoration, there is a need for returning faithfulness to God—bearing fruit as servants of the Almighty.

Many had questioned God in the process of deportation. They had wondered what had happened to the Rock of Israel. They had worried over why Yahweh would allow a heathen king to claim power and authority over the chosen people. Yet all along, there had been Yahweh’s word through the prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah, challenging the status quo of Israel and Judah, calling them to honor Yahweh alone as God. Deportation and exile might have been avoided, but for a stubbornness in keeping God’s concerns at bay.

They had been judged and found guilty. Even so, God was still interested in restoring them, bringing them back to the land of promise, if they would only turn in repentance and faith. If they would recognize God with the proper honor, reverence, and humble service, they would become part of the expression of Yahweh’s unique greatness once again. Are we willing to bow our lives to God?

Claiming to belong to God is not enough. Ask God to help you see where your life is less than dedicated to Christ Jesus. Turn that over to the One we claim as Lord.

“Lord, give me the courage to trust you will all my life, not just a portion.”

—©Copyright 2009 Christopher B. Harbin http://www.sermonsearch.com/contributors/104427/

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