When We See Messiah

Scripture: The Lord God says: "I will take a tender sprout from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant it on the top of Israel’s highest mountain. It shall become a noble cedar, bringing forth branches and bearing seed. Animals of every sort will gather under it; its branches will shelter every kind of bird. And everyone shall know that it is I, the Lord, who cuts down the high trees and exalts the low, that I make the green tree wither and the dead tree grow. I, the Lord, have said that I would do it, and I will." Ezekiel 17:22-23

Observation: At the beginning of this prophesy, God gave Ezekiel a 'riddle' about a sprout from the top of a tree, then explained it. The sprout was the first wave of exiles, removed from Judah, and given the chance to thrive and survive. However, their leaders then went against their sworn oath - an oath sworn by God's own name - and will now be destroyed.

After explaining all of that in detail, God pronounces that there will later be another, second sprout. This sprout will be different. It will be planted high for everyone to see. It will send out many huge branches. It will produce seed, and thus foster life. It will provide shelter and shade and comfort for "every" living creature. By this tree, everyone will learn of God. And God declares this is something he will do.

As the first three sprout is a metaphor, so is the second. The second is Messiah, planted upon the line of David, spreading throughout the world via the church, providing the life-giving message of salvation by faith, which is a promise meant for the entire world.

This is further instantiated by the very next topic - brought up out of the blue - which is the punishment of sin, whereby God directly says he will forgive and let live anyone who turns away from sin. He further clarifies that this is all about an individual choice, and not about punishing parents for children's actions for vice versa. This is EXACTLY the gospel ... total forgiveness of our past, and eternal life, by making the personal choice to turn to obedience in the Lord (now by faith in Jesus instead of the Law).

Application: I love seeing Jesus show up in the old testament! It is so amazing to reinforce the truth of scripture ... that God explicitly said he has a plan for salvation, and that plan occurred. God says "I will plant a metaphorical tree that will provide life for everyone everywhere", and Jesus now provides life for everyone everywhere.

The Lord said he would do it ... and he did!!

Prayer: Lord, you are so amazing in all respects. Your wisdom, love, justice, and mercy are apparent and abounding. You permeate our lives. May I never fail to worship you and glorify you in song and praise and thanks, for by your greatness you have saved me. Hallelujah to the Lord God almighty! Amen.