Reminder

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 17

I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it. (Ezekiel 17.24)

Devotional Thought: "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of it!"  We've all heard it.  Perhaps we've even said it (in jest, I hope!).  Usually, it is spoken as a reminder of just who it is we're speaking to.

In the time of Ezekiel, the people of Israel needed that reminder.  First, the king of Babylon had taken "one of the royal offspring and made a covenant with him" (v. 13).  The king had elevated the royal offspring to a position of high honor and power.  The royal offspring, however, forgot from where his power and authority came.  The Babylonian king reminded him in a violent way.  Second, and more importantly, the people of Israel had forgotten that it was God who had planted them in the land in the first place.  It was God who subsequently "called" for the king of Babylon to take them into exile.  And it was God who would be their deliverer if they turned back to him.

This passage is a reminder to us that...

·       God brings low the high.  King Saul, who once was humble before God, lost touch with God, became conceited in his own power, and lost everything.

·       God makes high the low.  The lowly shepherd, David, was elevated to the throne because he was a man after God's own heart.

·       God makes dry the green.  Solomon, who had been given wisdom and honor from God, turned away from God and died in disillusionment and despair.

·       God makes fruitful the dry.  Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth - these women who were barren cried out to God who enabled them to bear children.

"Remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you" (Romans 11.18).

Prayer: Indeed, Lord, you have "brought me into this world."  Help me to remember that you bring low the high and make high the low.  I put my faith in you.  In Jesus' name, amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 31.19-24

19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!

20 In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.

21 Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city.

22 I had said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight. ”But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.

23 Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.

24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!