18He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Because he had given his hand in pledge and yet did all these things, he shall not escape.
- P84
19"‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: As surely as I live, I will repay him for despising my oath and breaking my covenant.
20I will spread my net for him, and he will be caught in my snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment on him there because he was unfaithful to me.
- P85
23On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.
24All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. "‘I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.’"
- P85
The Lord explains the parable. The king of Babylon carried off Jerusalem‘srulers. Thus, the kingdom was brought low. But the king of Israel rebelledand sent envoys to Egypt. The Lord declares judgment on the disloyal kingbut promises to plant a sprig atop a high mountain where it will grow into asplendid cedar, bearing fruit and offering shade to many birds. - P85
Under the leadership of Zedekiah, Jerusalem could have been preserved. However, Zedekiah breaks the treaty with Babylon by turning to Egypt for help. In doing so, he is rebelling not only against Babylon but also against God, who has entrusted the city to him. Zedekiah’s rebellion leads to Jerusalem’s destruction, as even the mighty army of Egypt is unable to save the city. - P86
Faithfulness during difficult seasons can be a challenge but placing all of our trust in someone other than God can lead to even worse conditions. We may think that we are solving the problem, but we are actually rebelling against God. - P86
Let us continue to be faithful and trust in Him, even when the way forward seems challenging or unclear. - P86
In contrast to the earlier warnings of judgment, God now speaks a promiseof restoration. He declares that He will plant a tender sprig, a symbol ofrenewed hope and new beginnings. From what was broken and cut down,
God will bring forth flourishing life. The sprig is promised to grow into asplendid tree that bears fruit and provides shelter for birds. The imageryreflects God‘s sovereignty and grace. - P86
He offers restoration, not because Hispeople deserve it, but because of His great love. We are reminded that noone is beyond His reach. God can redeem the most hopeless of situations.
- P86
Even when we fall, God is able and willing to restore. His ways are higherthan ours, and His grace greater than our failures. - P86
There may be times when we endure hardships that cause us to seek relieffrom wherever we can. We may not be facing the kind of judgment thatEzekiel prophesied, but the challenges we are experiencing feel so relentlessand burdensome that we become overwhelmed and despondent. We beginto question whether it is even possible to have any hope. - P87
However, it is important to remember that we have a God who is with us in our sufferings.
He is our hope As Christians, there is always hope in our lives because wehave Christ Jesus, who showed us that He is not distant from our sufferings.
He humbled Himself, willingly accepting suffering and the punishmentthat we deserved so that He could atone for our sins. - P87
Because of His sufferLing, we have the gift of new life in Him. We never have to remain in despairbecause we can always look to God Himself who is our living hope. - P87
Lord, I confess that faithfulness is sometimes difficult, especially when the path is uncomfortable or unclear. Strengthen my heart to trust You in challenging seasons. - P87
Help me to submit to Your leading and resist the temptation to try to solve my problems without You. In Your name I pray, amen. - P87
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