Day 231

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Ezekiel's Coming Exile Picturesque

Scripture

August 18—Ezekiel 12-15: Condemnation for False Leaders

Observation

Like Jeremiah, Ezekiel is asked by God to illustrate his messages in some rather unusual and highly picturesque ways! In an attempt to capture the attention of the people, Ezekiel picks up his "bag" and crawls through a hole in the wall to picture the coming exile for the nation of Judah. Then he lashes out at the false prophets and idolatrous elders of the land, piling up evidence upon evidence of Judah's rebelliousness. Clearly the nation is a fruitless vine, profitable for nothing. As a result, both Judah's enemies and Judah's God have set their faces against the nation.

Application

Think back to the last time you spent an entire day taming the shrubbery around your house. Perhaps you found yourself pruning, gathering and burning overgrown foliage that was long overdue for a "trim." Do you remember the feeling of success when you hauled away or burned the last of those useless vines and sticks?

Now put yourself in God's place for a moment. For generations you have been working with a stubborn and rebellious nation looking for fruits of righteousness but finding only useless vines. You have repeatedly sent your prophets, but their messages have fallen on deaf ears. At last, your patience has been exhausted. It is no longer time to tenderly prune or patiently wait, it is time to pluck up and cast down the painful price of persistent fruitlessness.

What kind of vine have you been for God in the last six months? If you had to place a label over your life, would it read "Needs Pruning," "Needs Patience" or "Needs Pulling Down"? Pack an extra piece of fruit in your lunch today as a reminder that fruit-bearing is not simple a good idea, it is the reason God has left you here?

Prayer

We commit ourselves to you, oh God for our help comes from you and only you. Sanctify us through the work of your indwelling Spirit to bear good fruits and not be worthless vines like the people of Judah in the days of Ezekiel. Instead help us to be worthy demonstrators and leaders of your Word living a holy life in your presence. We cannot do this on our own, we need your help each and every day. We thank you for loving us so much that you sent your only loving son to save us if we believe in Him we are guaranteed everlasting live. You and only you get the glory. In Jesus' name! Amen!
 

Be a Worthy Leader of the Word!


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business!

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