Ezekiel 17:22–24—Things looked bleak when Jerusalem fell and King Zedekiah died in exile (Ezekiel 17:11-21). Through the prophet Ezekiel, the LORD proclaims that He will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and…I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. This tender sprig will never be uprooted, for it is the promised Messiah, Jesus, who will be given the throne of His father David, and whose Messianic kingdom will be established forever.
“On the mountain heights of Israel,” He plants a young and tender twig, and it becomes “a noble cedar.” Indeed, His own Cross becomes the Tree of Life, under which “every kind of bird” will dwell, and in which “birds of every sort will nest” (Ezekiel 17:22–25).
The Lord says, “I will plant it.” God is in control of men and nations. He opens up a new era by creating a mighty king to rule Israel. All of this is God’s doing. It is similar to the Sower in the parable in that the kingdom grows while he sleeps. It behooves people to “wait upon the Lord” for deliverance.
At times the Old Testament seems to be a nationalistic collection of books with Israel as the hosen and blessed people above all other races. However, there is a universalism in the Old Testament. Israel is God’ instrument to bring all nations to him. In this passage we read of “all kinds of beasts,” ‘birds of every sort.” And “all the trees.” When God sets up his king and brings his people back from captivity, the whole world is to be drawn to God. 1
Prayer for the mission of the Church and her missionaries: Almighty and gracious God, You want all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Magnify the power of the Gospel in the hearts of Your faithful people that Your Church may spread the good news of salvation. Protect, encourage, and bless all missionaries who proclaim the saving cross that Christ, being lifted up, may draw all people to Himself. 2
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