Ezekiel 17:22-24
“GOD, the Master, says, I personally will take a shoot from the top of the towering cedar, a cutting from the crown of the tree, and plant it on a high and towering mountain, on the high mountain of Israel. It will grow, putting out branches and fruit—a majestic cedar. Birds of every sort and kind will live under it. They’ll build nests in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the field will recognize that I, GOD, made the great tree small and the small tree great, made the green tree turn dry and the dry tree sprout green branches. I, GOD, said it—and I did it”
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take a branch from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant it on the top of Israel’s highest mountain. It will become a majestic cedar, sending forth its branches and producing seed. Birds of every sort will nest in it, finding shelter in the shade of its branches. And all the trees will know that it is I, the LORD, who cuts the tall tree down and makes the short tree grow tall. It is I who makes the green tree wither and gives the dead tree new life. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do what I said!”
This is a beautiful picture of the Church. It will be majestic and inclusive, all peoples invited to safely shelter in it. God spoke and it happened, is still happening. He offers himself to all who unreservedly seek truth. But they can hear this good gospel news only if we, his people, speak.
Lord, even as a preschooler you knew my longing for truth, though I couldn’t verbalize it. You drew me in and tended me faithfully through the seasons of my life. You do it still. I am full of awe and wonder at your great love.