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Ezekiel-19

Ezekiel 19: A Devotional Study on Sovereign Forsakenness​

Introduction​

Ezekiel 19 is a poignant prophecy delivered by the prophet Ezekiel. It depicts a once-majestic vine, now withered and abandoned, a metaphor for the fate of the king of Judah. As we walk through this passage, let's reflect on the sovereign hand of God in our own lives and consider the lessons we can learn from this parable.

Section 1: The Vine (Ezekiel 19:10-12)​

Devotional Thought: The vine grew tall, bordered by cities and adorned with orchards. Its branches stretched far and wide and produced an abundance of grapes. This vine speaks of a majestic king, cherished in his youth, replete with power and influence. However, the image of this vine now fades, withered, and forgotten. What a sharp contrast!

Reflection Questions:

  • Are you, too, experiencing a time of withering and forgottenness? Why do you think this is so?
  • How can you analyze the causes that brought about this state of affairs, whether rightfully or unfairly?

Section 2: The Uprooting (Ezekiel 19:13-14)​

Devotional Thought: Even a mighty vine is subject to the sovereign hand of God. The king who was once cherished is now uprooted and cast into the wilderness. There is no denial that this is a bitter pill to swallow. But, as the vine metaphor highlights, we too might have experienced this uprooting, for purposes unknown to us.

Reflection Questions:

  • Are you presently facing an uprooting in your life? What are the causes?
  • How can you accept an undesirable and unpleasant position in life and come to terms with it?

Section 3: The Wilderness (Ezekiel 19:15-16)​

Devotional Thought: The wilderness may not hold any beauty or significance, but to the uprooted vine, it is a demotion and what feels like an abandonment. However, we might take solace in knowing that God sometimes leads us to the wilderness, not as a punishment, but for our sanctification. Sometimes, we need to experience that vast desert space to reconsider who we are and remember the One who has never left us.

Reflection Questions:

  • Can we see the wilderness as an opportunity to meet God in a more personal way?
  • Are we willing to see a time of being uprooted and cast into the wilderness as a chance to address some past errors we've made?

Section 4: The Prophecy Returned (Ezekiel 19:17-18)​

Devotional Thought: The prophecy of the uprooted vine shall one day be returned. The king who fell from heights of pride and prosperity will be exhumed from the wilderness and given a proper burial. Though the vine will not stand tall and proud ever again, it will set into play a retelling of its story, so others may know that even in the wildernesses of our future, we will be remembered and honored.

Reflection Questions:

  • What does a return on your past, both good and bad, teach you about the cycle of life?
  • How can we best turn our past mistakes and misfortunes into learning experiences for the future?

Conclusion:​

Ezekiel 19 is a chapter that wraps life in metaphors, difficult to digest for some. But, amidst the poignant words and verses, we understand that God's sovereign hand can bring about both prosperity and desolation. The chapter encourages us to lean in, hold on, and trust that God will take us through both phases of life, as part of His overarching larger plan. As we accept and learn to embrace both, might we find a better, happier you to emerge from the wilderness, tall as the mighty vine, but with an added appreciation for the Hand that Created us and for whom we are created.