Ezekiel 17:22-24 (NRSV)
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Verse 22Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. Verse 23On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind. Verse 24All the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the Lord have spoken; I will accomplish it.
Devotion
In this passage, the Lord takes a twig from a cedar, and with it, plants a new tree. A small sprig will itself become a noble cedar, bearing fruit and bringing life to other creatures. The Lord not only creates, but multiplies life.
Summer has broken upon us. Plants and animals flourish around us. It is a natural time to take a look around and marvel at God’s creation. In doing so, we may even find ourselves remembering the simple truth that God is God.
That is why a striking part of this passage is that, in multiplying life, the trees themselves will know that God is God. At times, we may unconsciously think that nature was created solely to remind us of God. Yet, here we are reminded that God is the God of all life, not just us. It is humbling, but also inspiring. God truly is God, and wants all creation to know it.
Prayer
Lord, you are God of all creation. You create, sustain, and multiply life. Thank you. Help us to care for your creation as you would have us do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.