What does "it will not thrive" teach about relying on worldly alliances? Setting the Scene “Behold, it is planted; will it thrive? Will it not wither completely when the east wind strikes it? It will wither on the bed where it sprouted.” (Ezekiel 17:10) The Picture in Ezekiel 17 • The “vine” = Judah under King Zedekiah • First eagle (Babylon) gave the vine room to grow; the vine broke covenant and stretched toward a second eagle (Egypt) for help (vv. 7-8) • God’s verdict: “it will not thrive” (vv. 9-10)—the alliance with Egypt would fail, and the vine would wither under judgment Why Worldly Alliances Fail • They disregard covenants made before God (17:19) • They lean on human strength instead of the Lord’s (Isaiah 31:1–3) • They invite God’s “east wind” of discipline rather than His favor • They look impressive for a season but cannot produce lasting fruit (Psalm 118:8-9) Key Lessons for Us • Outward security is an illusion when God is ignored • Breaking faith with God for the sake of political or social advantage invites loss, not gain • The measure of “thriving” is set by God, not by the size of one’s support network • True prosperity flows from covenant loyalty (Jeremiah 17:7-8; Proverbs 3:5-6) Supporting Scriptures • Isaiah 30:1-3—Egypt’s help “shall be to your shame” • Psalm 20:7—“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • Proverbs 21:31—“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.” • Jeremiah 17:5-6—Trusting man makes one “like a shrub in the desert.” Living It Out • Evaluate alliances—career, finances, relationships—by Scripture, not by culture’s metrics • Keep commitments; God honors integrity (Psalm 15:4) • Seek the Lord first, then watch Him supply trustworthy partners (Matthew 6:33) • Remember: Anything rooted in mere human strength “will not thrive,” but whatever is planted in the Lord flourishes and endures (Psalm 1:3) |
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