Our First Reading this week is Ezekiel 17:22-24.
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.
God speaks to us through the prophet Ezekiel, expressing His creative power and giving us a glimpse of what is to come. With images of planting a portion of a tree in a new place, He gives an analogy of how He intends to save all His children through the work of the faithful. He tells us “All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall” (v. 24).
He can employ even the smallest and least to accomplish His purpose. His plan has always been to redeem us from sin and to use us to share His love with the world. Even though we were lost, God reaches out to bring us back into His family.
God’s love for us is eternal and unchanging. He chose us from the beginning and wants us to choose Him in return. Let God into your heart and He will bless you to be a blessing in His world.
Wise and wonderful God, we are amazed at Your creation and humbled that You call us to serve in it. Help us to be strong in Your love, sharing it with everyone. Amen.