3 Pentecost - Tuesday B

First Posted June 23, 2009

Ezekiel 17:22-24 -- The Lord’s Branch

The Lord declares that he will take a branch from the top of the Cedar tree, and plant it on the mountain in Israel (Mt. Zion). It will grow and bring forth branches and bear fruit. It will provide shade for animals and nesting places for birds.  “All the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord bring low the high tree and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish” (Ezekiel 17:24).

The Cedar tree represents Israel, which had grown and flourished in the Promised Land. From its very top the Lord took a branch, Jesus Christ, the “righteous branch” and planted it on Mt. Zion. Zion is the hill upon which the Temple was built; it is the dwelling place of God;  a place of refuge from the enemy. Jesus is this “branch” under which we find shade, rest and security.

God is Lord of all Creation, whether we realize that and acknowledge him or not. We can deny his power and authority now, but ultimately everyone will acknowledge him as Lord (Romans 14:10c-12). God opposes the proud but favors the humble (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Those whom the world considers “great” will be brought low, and the humble who have entrusted themselves to the Lord will be exalted at the Day of Judgment (John 5:28-29).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?