September 7, 2021
What does it say?
The Sovereign Lord would set His face against His people. Because of their unfaithfulness, He would desolate their land.
What does it mean?
In this, the first of three consecutive parables, Ezekiel compares Israel to a vine (Isaiah 5:1-7). The purpose of a vine is to bear fruit. If a vine doesn’t produce fruit while being cultivated by the gardener, it certainly won’t after being charred by fire. If God’s people weren’t going to produce the fruit of righteousness, what purpose did they serve? Although Judah thought Jerusalem was spared when they surrendered to Babylon, God would send Nebuchadnezzar back, causing the total destruction of the city. The Lord, who controls all, would make this wild vine like fuel empowering other nations.
How should I respond?
Your purpose as a follower of Christ is to produce spiritual fruit. Daily surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit results in Christ-like characteristics (Galatians 5:22-23). Of course, the opposite is also true – when you’re consumed with pleasing yourself rather than the Lord, the “fruit” in your life reflects your sinful nature (Gal. 5:16-21). Think back over the last 24 hours; what kind of “fruit” did you produce? Which fruit of the Spirit is currently lacking in your life? Ask God to help you recognize and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit today. Fruit that pleases the Lord has to be intentionally cultivated.