Day 15

The Parable of the Eagles

from the Ezekiel: Come to Life (Lent 2022) reading plan


Ezekiel 17:1-24, Matthew 11:20-30, Matthew 13:24-30

BY Seana Scott

My husband insisted we live in student housing during graduate school. I envisioned myself squeezed in a one-bedroom with a growing family, schlepping milk gallons from the parking lot with a cranky toddler, trading our fenced back yard for a common area. Nope. I was not happy about living in a too-tight-for-my-comfort community. 

So, I understand slightly the rebellion in Zedekiah’s heart in Ezekiel 17. The king of Babylon strategically ruled. He exported Judah’s top leadership and priests to Babylon (Ezekiel 17:4), and installed a puppet king, Zedekiah, to oversee the land. He also left some people to live in humble peace and thrive like seeds planted in a fertile field by abundant water (v.5). The vine (Israel) turned its branches toward Babylon (the earthly ruler) and started flourishing (vv.6,8). 

But Zedekiah wanted to rule on his own terms. So instead of learning to thrive in the boundaries and position established by God through the Babylonian king (Ezekiel 17:19,24), Zedekiah reached out to the Egyptians to support him in a revolt (Ezekiel 17:7,15). 

But what Zedekiah failed to realize was God orchestrated the humiliation of Judah for their rebellion in the first place. The deportations of Judah to Babylon were God’s judgment for their idolatrous ways. God is the One who exalts and the One who humbles (Matthew 11:23). God is the One who causes green trees to wither, and withered trees thrive (Ezekiel 17:24). How would Zedekiah’s rebellion to break the covenant between the nations turn out any differently?

It didn’t. 

When a treaty was enacted between two nations, it was signed under oath to the respective deities. So, if someone broke the treaty, they also violated their commitment to their own god(s). Zedekiah broke the treaty with Babylon, so he also invited the retribution of the Lord. God took Zedekiah to Babylon and exacted judgment on him for the betrayal (v.20). 

But God is not done with Israel or the nations at this point. Ezekiel also prophesied that one day, there will be a planting by the Lord on Israel’s high mountains (vv.22–24)—the Messianic rule of Israel. 

We can take heed from the imagery God gifted Ezekiel. When we bend our hearts toward rebellion—our way, our will, our strength—we begin to wither like the vine (v.10). But when we bend our hearts toward the Lord, He provides us the sustenance we need to flourish—His way, His will, His strength—even among the tares that grow up around us (Matthew 13:24–30).

My family moved into the teeny apartment, and it turned into a bountiful planting by God. My neighbors from all around the world became extended family. Our children grew up together for a short while. And now we have loved ones all throughout the world. It was hard—and good.

Post Comments (67)

67 thoughts on "The Parable of the Eagles"

  1. Mary Stephens-Clark says:

    We were the first to build a house on our street….the neighbors who built on either side of us became good friends as they were close in age to us….I found myself being pulled into the world. I have struggled to find the balance – loving them, reflecting Jesus’s light to them without getting caught in the snare of the world. I know God put me here for a reason and I also know I have been tested. How many times have I cried out ‘why did You put me here between these two families?” It has been a struggle, but God’s purpose will prevail. Right now I am wheat growing among the weeds, but my prayer is they too will become wheat before harvest time.

  2. Laurie Crary says:

    Churchmouse, praying for you.

  3. Sarah Morrison says:

    ❤️

  4. Natasha Woodcraft says:

    Thank you for the challenge. Praying for a more contrite spirit, that I would be pleased and blessed to sit under the authority of those God has placed over me.

  5. Christina Schmit says:

    Heidi….wow thank you for sharing. I’m reading this at my son’s swimming lesson crying. What a great story and example of waiting on Him!!!

  6. Jessica Bjork says:

    So beautiful and Amazing Heidi!!!!!! Praise the Lord!

  7. Brooke P says:

    Victoria E. I am PRAYING for you and your sweet baby! The Lord will provide clarity and a path for you and your family to follow, I trust that no matter where you end up the Lord will use you all greatly there! ❤️ churchmouse, praying for your recovery. Many others, I am praying for you! Thank you for your continued prayers for me. ❤️

  8. Jennifer Barkley says:

    Wow what a testimony! Thank you for sharing- God is so good and faithful!

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