Topic: Useless Vine Wood
Open Prayer: Sanctify my life dear Lord as I study your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: Ezekiel 15:1-8
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
Outline
Many, except people from the southern part of Africa, may never have seen a vine tree and so may not appreciate what God is saying in this passage. Try to view the image of a vine tree on the internet. Unlike normal trees, the vine tree (stem and branches) is tough, twisted and unworkable. The wood from it is not useful for anything but fuel for fire. So Israel, recalcitrant in sin, is fit for judgment only (vs.4-8).
God likened Jerusalem to the vine tree: weak and useless. Her usefulness is only in the fruit she should bear and not in her appearance or strength. Israel was designed to be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:3) but because of unfaithfulness, they failed to fulfil God’s purpose for them. God chose to send fire to consume them. Reflect on vs.6-7. We all are like the stem of the vine; crooked, weak, useless.
Thank God that He has given us His son, Jesus Christ, the true Vine who died to take on Himself our crookedness, weakness and unworthiness. If we turn to, and abide in Him, He refreshes us, restores our soul and makes us fruitful and hence, useful (John 15:1-6).
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Lord, please help me to be a fruitful Christian in all areas of my walk with you. • Praise God for the grace that made you a Christian and the empowerment to be a faithful witness.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Psalms 43-45; Acts 19: 1-20; Matthew 5:8
Scripture Union Daily Guide 27th July 2021. Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God
Comments 1