A Promise and a Parable

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 16:60-17:21

 

Ezekiel 16:60

 “Nevertheless I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.

(NKJV)

 

The people of Israel have been rebellious and disobedient to their God and will go into exile for their rebellion. However, God has an everlasting covenant with Israel so God will not destroy them for their rebellion. Instead, their Babylonian exile is a form of protective custody till they repent of their sin. Some do not want to follow God’s plan for Israel and instead intend to turn to Egypt for protection but doing so will lead to their destruction. While we may not understand it, following God’s plan is always the best way.

 

After pointing out the wickedness of the people of Jerusalem, God reminds them of His everlasting covenant with them (Ezekiel 16:60). When the people remember their covenant with God, it will make them ashamed and remind them that the Lord is the Lord (Ezekiel 16:61-62). Because of their shame, they will never open their mouth against God again for God will provide an atonement for all the sins the people have done (Ezekiel 16:63).

 

Ezekiel then receives a word from the Lord in the form of a riddle and a parable (Ezekiel 17:1-2). The parable uses the imagery of two great eagles the first of which came to Lebanon, taking from the cedar’s highest branch (Ezekiel 17:3). The eagle took a twig and carried it to a land of trade and then took some of the seed of the land and planted it in a fertile field where it became a spreading vine (Ezekiel 17:4-6). The other great eagle planted its vine on a garden terrace with the intention of it also becoming a majestic vine (Ezekiel 17:7-8). The Lord asks if this second vine will thrive and answers with it withering and pulled up by its roots (Ezekiel 17:9-10).

 

The Lord then gives Ezekiel the interpretation of the parable by reminding them that the king of Babylon (the first great eagle) did come to Jerusalem and took the king and his princes captive to Babylon (Ezekiel 17:11-12). The king of Babylon made a covenant with the king of Jerusalem, placing him under oath and taking the mighty of the land (Ezekiel 17:13). This was to humble the kingdom of Jerusalem so that by keeping the covenant with the king of Babylon, the kingdom of Jerusalem might stand (Ezekiel 17:14). However, the king of Jerusalem did not obey his covenant and oath with the king of Babylon by sending ambassadors to Egypt for help (Ezekiel 17:15).

 

The Lord declares that the king of Jerusalem who despised his covenant with the king of Babylon will surely die with the Pharaoh unable to help with no escape (Ezekiel 17:16-18). The Lord will make the king of Jerusalem pay for his oath-breaking and bring him to Babylon where he will face trial for the treason he committed against God (Ezekiel 17:19-20). Those joining the king in his rebellion will fall by the sword with those remaining scattered to the wind (Ezekiel 17:21).

 

Israel has rebelled against the Lord by turning to and worshipping other gods, but God reminds them of His eternal covenant with them. The consequence of their rebellion will be exile in Babylon as told in Deuteronomy 28:36-37. Ezekiel is not the only prophet sent, warning about exile (Isaiah 5:13; Jeremiah 20:6). However, instead of repenting for their rebellion and returning to the land (Ezekiel 14:6; Isaiah 30:15; Jeremiah 15:19) they plan to turn to Egypt where they will be killed by the sword with those surviving scattered to the wind (Ezekiel 17:21). Salvation comes through repentance and not the power of an earthly army.

 

In John 12:32-33 Jesus said that if  He is lifted up, He will draw all people to Him. Jesus’ last words to His followers were that they bear witness to His resurrection and make disciples of the nations (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20). Unfortunately, the Church has strayed from this mission in many places and now embarks on a marketing plan of broadening its appeal by embracing the ungodly woke culture. This is occurring as Churches accept abortion, gay marriage, and transgenderism, accepting these things instead of speaking out against them for their ungodliness. While this may increase numbers and contributions, it does nothing to lift up Christ or make disciples.

 

In Romans 12:2, Scripture tells believers not to conform to the world but to experience transformation through the renewal of their minds with the word of God. The Church must move from being the Lukewarm church (Revelation 3:14-22) and become like the Church of the Book of Acts that turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). Transformation through God’s Word must happen for revival to come.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed for the forgiveness of your sins and to make Jesus your Lord, I urge you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.