Eagles and Tree Branches

O. T. #1889  "Eagles and Tree Branches"

Feb. 24, 2021

Ezekiel 17

LET IT GLOW

I told this story previously, but some may not have read it. In our backyard, we had a huge pecan tree that had been there as long as I can remember. (I am living on my childhood farm.) As a girl, I loved to climb to the middle of it and pretend to be queen over my kingdom that I overlooked. The grandchildren of my parents enjoyed climbing it, too. But as time went on, large branches became split off of it in storms. Eventually, the long trunk fell over. It continued to be fruitful for a few years, lying on the ground. It was a sad day when we finally decided it was time to cut it off. (The remaining large branch lay on top of the fence keeping the cows out of the yard. Although, I have a few circles of it as a keepsake.) Well, I said all of this to say that a sprout came up in the stump. I had to get a picture for it so reminded me of Isaiah 11:1. What an illustration the Lord had provided. 

You will recall that God gave Ezekiel three parables. The first one was found in chapter 15 and was about the useless vine. Then in chapter 16, the parable was about the adulterous wife. Now in chapter 17 we read about the third parable which involves two eagles. Before we get into the doom and gloom, there is good news for Judah and her kings. It is found in verses 22-23.

Only God can give true hope. In Isaiah 11, He said that a shoot would come from the stump of Jesse in Israel. This tender sprig was Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He kingdom would grow and become a shelter for all who come to Him. This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus. (Application Study Bible)

The Messiah would grow out of the dry tree left after the wipeout of Judah. Its remnant would prosper and be preserved for this purpose. The highest branch of the high cedar refers to David (high cedar) from whose royal line Jesus came. The Messiah bore spiritual fruit and boughs while here on earth. The disciples spread the gospel over 2,000 years ago and it is still growing, spreading through generations that salvation is through only Jesus. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

Then, when Jesus returns to reign as king over His millennial kingdom, it will be on the high mountain of Jerusalem. (verse 230 Folks, when we visited Jerusalem, we had to go up onto the mountain on which it sits. I do like it when prophecy is accurate.

A tender one in verse 22 is a sprig/sprout, a rod and a Branch, a righteous Branch, and clearly the Messiah. We read about Him is Isaiah 4:2 and 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5 and 33:15, as well as Zechariah 3:8 and 6:12.

Folks, is our faith rooted in Jesus? Is He our branch for spiritual nourishment and growth? One day the trumpet will sound and He will return to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Are we ready? 

LET IT GROW

Just yesterday morning I saw an eagle perched in a tree in front of our house across the field. However, it was not sitting on the top branch like usual, so I wasn't for certain the bird was an eagle. So I had to go get my binoculars to make sure it was. But when I pulled the curtain back and saw his white head and tail feathers, he must have seen me and flew off. What huge wings they have. (keen eyesight, too) Little did I know eagles were going to be mentioned in the next chapter lesson. Another illustration from my Lord Jesus. He is good like that!

Go back to the beginning of this chapter and find the two great eagles. The first one represents Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. The second eagle was Egypt. They were the great empires during that time in history.

What were some of the events that happened in connection to this parable?

1. Neb's first transplants were King Jehoiachin and many of those Jews exiled to Babylon with Ezekiel, where they prospered. Jehoiachin only reigned as king of Judah for 3 months. (verse 12 and 2 Kings 24:8-16)
2. Neb made Zedekiah a puppet king in Judah. (verse 13 and 2 Kings 24:17)
3. Egypt attracted Zedekiah, so he made an alliance with them. Jeremiah warned the king not to do this, for he had already made a covenant with Neb. (verse 17)
4. Zedekiah broke his covenant with Nebuchadnezzar and thus with God. (verses 15-19)
5. Zedekiah would die in Babylon and his troops would be defeated. (verses 20-21) He only reigned 11 years as king of Judah, being their last one.

An oath must be honored. As children of God, we must keep our oaths, whether in financial or contract form. When we do, it honors our God. Even if it was made unwisely, we must complete it.

Is Jesus our branch, our vine? Are we His church, His bride? Are we faithful in keeping our vows?

LET IT GO

May we be found faithful to our God when Jesus returns or raptures out the church.

May we keep our promises, vows, contracts, and commitments so we honor God.