Our Ways are Foolish compared to God's Ways

Scripture: Ezekiel 17:6-8

Then it sprouted and became a low, spreading vine with its branches turned toward him, but its roots remained under it. So it became a vine and yielded shoots and sent out branches. “But there was another great eagle with great wings and much plumage; and behold, this vine bent its roots toward him and sent out its branches toward him from the beds where it was planted, that he might water it. It was planted in good soil beside abundant waters, that it might yield branches and bear fruit and become a splendid vine.”’

Insights: In today’s verses of the parable we see a second eagle come on the scene and this vine reach out to it and try to make a place for it to nest.  This second eagle represents the nation of Egypt.  This vine represents king Zedekiah.  What has taken place is Zedekiah has been given his reign from king Nebechudnezzar and instead of recognizing that this was all a part of God’s plan and His ways, Zedekiah attempts to change the situation.  He sends a delegation down to Egypt to seek a relationship with them and have them help him revolt against king Nebechudnezzar.  King Zedekiah also stops send his tribute to the man who put him in power.  Beloved, we are often times just like Zedekiah.  We are facing a situation and we don’t like how it looks or feels.  Instead of turning our face toward the Lord, we attempt to solve our problem all on our own.  We chase after everything the world tells us is the answer and I promise you it will always end in disaster.  Tomorrow we are going to learn the specifics to king Zedekiah’s choice to court Egypt and to rebel against Babylon.  Until then, let me encourage you to run to Jesus and not to solving your problem in your own power.  I want you to also think about one last thought regarding our suffering.  How long do we have to go through suffering for the suffering to be too long?  In other words, how long did Israel have to remain slaves to Egypt before it was too long?  How long did Joseph have to remain a slave and a prisoner before it was too long?  How long did Jeremiah have to remain in a pit before it was too long?  How long did Abraham have to wait for a son before it was too long?  We do not think with eternity in mind and the sooner we do, the better we are able to coupe with the difficulties in which we suffer.  Trust in the Lord always, His plans are just.

Questions:

1.  Are you attempting to solve your problems your way?

2.  Have you come to realize the futility of such an adventure against the Lord and His ways?

Prayer: Father, forgive me and be gracious to me I pray when I choose to walk my own path for a time.  Let me sense Your Spirit’s calling on my heart and let me quickly return to You.  Amen.