Ezekiel 17:22-24 Thus said the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it… I. THE BEAUTIFUL AND APPROPRIATE SYMBOL BY WHICH THE SON OF GOD IS HERE REPRESENTED. "The highest branch of the high cedar." 1. Because it was the remotest from the root. 2. Because the loftiest of all. He was at once the mightiest and the meanest: rooted in the earth, yet elevated to the skies. II. THE PLACE WHERE THIS WAS TO BE PLANTED. "In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it." 1. The truth of the promises God had made. 2. A striking evidence of the almighty power of God. This is the triumph of wisdom over folly — of holiness over sin — of the goodness of God over the malice of men. Its being planted at Jerusalem may be regarded — 3. As the last expression of unrequited kindness and love. 4. As an evident demonstration of the truth and power of the Gospel. III. THE RAPID GROWTH OF THIS PLANT. There are few things more delightful and instructive than to observe the commencement of that which has risen to eminence. As the traveller in America steps over a stream which he may almost dry up with his foot, he is struck with astonishment to know that it is the same fountain, fed by tributary streams, which becomes a mighty river and rolls on to empty itself into the sea. Here is the planting of the tree that is to fill the world. Though Christ is now enthroned in glory, filling heaven with a splendour surpassing that of ten thousand suns, He was once a babe in Bethlehem's manger. could say, within a short time after the introduction of Christianity, "Your towns, your cities, your camps, your palaces, your courts, your army, your senate, your forum — all swarm with Christians." IV. THE PRODUCTIVENESS OF THIS TREE. It was to "bring forth boughs, and to bear fruit." 1. This fruit is varied in its character, etc. Are you ignorant? Here are truths to instruct, wisdom that makes wise unto salvation. Are you guilty? Hero is pardon full, free, and everlasting. Are you forlorn? Are you dying, and recoiling from the prospect of futurity? Behold, "the gift of God is everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord." 2. It is satisfying in its enjoyment. As Christ united the glories of the Godhead with humanity, in the sacrifice He made, it must prove all-sufficient to supply the wants of the soul for which He made it. His grace can reach and heal all the maladies of the soul, and save it forever. 3. It is free in its gift. V. THE ULTIMATE BLESSINGS WHICH THIS TREE IS DESIGNED TO DIFFUSE THROUGH THE WORLD. "It shall be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell," etc. Have we not numerous indications of this in our day? Never since that sun, which is now setting, began its course — never since he first lightened this earth — have there been such proofs of the increase of the glory of the Gospel as in the day in which we live. (T. Adkins.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent: |
    |