Ezekiel 17-18  Chapter 17 is another picture of Israel.  An eagle takes a sprig of cedar, plants it by the water and it grows.  But, instead of remaining faithful, under the watch of its creator, the vine looked to another eagle.  The Lord says that He will pluck out that vine and it will no longer thrive.  When the Lord is spurned, destruction is certain. Israel's history proves that.

However, the Lord says that He will once again take a sprig.. this time planting it on a "high and lofty mountain".  It will grow as a tree, not a vine.  It will "bring forth boughs and bear fruit, and become a stately cedar. And birds of every kind will nest under it... and all the trees of the field will know that I am the Lord; I bring down every high tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish.  I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will perform it." ( v22-24)

Jesus quoted from this passage when He told the parable of the mustard seed.  " The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds; but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." ( Matt. 13:31-32) This passage also brings to mind the fig tree that was green with leaves but had no fruit.  ( Matt. 21:18-20)  Jesus cursed that tree and it withered and died.  He dried up the green tree.   Jesus also made the low tree exalted as He hung on a cross.. the sacrifice for all our sins.

So, Ezekiel once again points us to Jesus!

In Chapter 18 the Lord makes it abundantly clear that every individual is responsible for his or her own life.  We cannot blame our parents, our ancestors, or our DNA for our behavior.  To live we must be righteous - faithful  to walk in God's ways, obedient to His Word.  He calls us to "practice justice and righteousness ".  He wants us to "turn from all [our] sins".   " For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, declares the Lord God. Therefore, repent and live."

All wickedness will be judged.  Even if a person was righteous and then turned away, he is guilty.  His previous deeds will not save him.  But, if a wicked man repents, he will be forgiven and his life saved.

 Here is the gospel, written by Ezekiel as he sat in exile by a river in Babylon!  "Therefore, I will judge you... each according to his conduct, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you. Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! for why will you die, O house of Israel?"

This is God's plea with mankind still.  He does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked.. He desires all to be saved.  " The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."  II Peter 3:9

Peter goes on to write this, " Therefore, beloved since you look for these things ( the new heaven and earth) be diligent to be found in Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; ... be on guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. " ( v14,15,17,18)

Father, take us by the hand and direct our hearts into Your great love and into the steadfastness of our Lord Jesus Christ.  May we live in peace.  May we be spotless and blameless before You, cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. May we be kept from the stumbling blocks of sin. Deliver us from all evil and from the evil one.  Lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake. Thank You for being patient with us.  Thank You for being patient with our unsaved loved ones.  May they see You today with clear eyes and turn to You with willing hearts.  We ask this in the Name of Jesus, amen.