Ezek. 17-19; Rev. 7

We’ve all seen a picture of a mighty eagle swooping down on its prey. Ezekiel 17 starts out with some great visual imagery of an eagle ripping the treetops off a cedar tree, ultimately showing a display of power that is sometimes bridled and sometimes unbridled.




Mighty conquerors are aptly likened to birds or beasts of prey, but their destructive passions are tempered by their desire to follow God's plans. Later we see God’s promise to us (Ezekiel 17: 22-24) as He talks about He Himself taking a shoot from the very top of a cedar and planting it. This tree will bear fruit and become a splendid tree because it is by the Lord’s design not man’s. As we go on in Chapter 18 we see that in our design and left to our own sin we will surely die.

Thankfully we have a way out. "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live! (Ezekiel 18:30-32)

Through our repentance and relationship with Christ we are a new creation and can have eternal life and I thank the Lord for this gift and grace.


Blessings,
Pastor Jason

NEXT READING: Ezek. 20,21; Ps. 111; Rev. 8