Ezekiel 17:24

Ezekiel 17:24 (ESV): “And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.”

God is sovereign over all creation. Every kingdom that rises against Him will fall. He will bring low the proud and exalt the humble. He is the Almighty, and Him alone should we serve!

In Ezekiel 17, the prophet records a parable about two eagles and a vine. The vine represents the people of Judah, and the first great eagle symbolizes Babylon. Jehoiachin is pictured as the high branches of the vine, carried off into captivity. Zedekiah was placed on the throne in Jerusalem as Babylon’s man. Yet he rebelled and put his trust in a second eagle—Egypt. This rebellion was not merely against Babylon but against Yahweh Himself! The Lord reminds us that He will humble every high tree and exalt the low tree. He will do it!

So what does God require of us? According to Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”The key is humility. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. He will exalt the lowly, so remain humble that God may use you!

Father, forgive us for our pride. Too often our actions suggest that we know better than You, though we know this to be a lie. Keep us from deceiving ourselves. Make us humble, that we might be vessels usable for Your glory. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.