Ezekiel 17:24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree… Consider the text as exemplified — I. IN THE HISTORY OF GOD'S PROVIDENCE. 1. The Antediluvians and Noah. They were the high and green trees, — Noah and family, the low and the dry. 2. Pharaoh and the Israelites. 3. Goliath and David. 4. Haman and Mordecai. II. IN THE HISTORY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. The Jews expected the high green tree, — earthly magnificence, worldly power and authority. But Christ fulfilled the sayings of the prophets (Isaiah 53:1, etc.) In all things He was the opposite of their desires, etc. Hence they killed Him. Yet Christ, the low tree, etc., did God exalt, etc. He hath made Him to flourish, etc. His name shall endure as long as the sun, etc. III. IN THE TRIUMPHS OF THE APOSTOLIC LABOURS. Look at the persons of the apostles, — plain, illiterate, poor men. Not the high green tree. Not learned, affluent, or influential. Hearken to their message. What is it? Christ crucified. Not a religion of metaphysical subtleties. Not elaborate doctrines or profound dogmas of philosophy. Not a splendid system of pompous ceremony. But the lowly doctrines of the cross. Humility, self-denial, spirituality, etc. And what is the result? The high tree of paganism is brought down. The green tree of Judaism is dried up. The low tree of Christianity is exalted and flourishes, and blesses every known civilised land, etc. (1 Corinthians 1:21-29). IV. IN THE EXPERIENCE OF THE HAUGHTY, AND OF THE PENITENTIAL SINNER. The man of proud heart, exalted self-esteem, etc. "God, I thank thee," etc. The poor publican self-convicted, self-abhorred. He is the dry tree, nothing to trust in, or to plead. "God be merciful," etc. Mark the result. God rejects the high tree; He despises his work, — He brings him low. He beholds with approbation the low tree, etc. He goes down to his house justified. V. IN THE LIVES OF THE HIGH-MINDED AND OF THE LOWLY CHRISTIAN. Pride and self-sufficiency are the great temptations of the human heart. To be something. To do something. To he thought something. To exalt ourselves. How prone we are to this. Well, what, is the result? God knows it will ruin us if not eradicated. We must be brought low in mercy or judgment. He blights the worldly prospects. He reverses the dazzling scene. He sends repeated disappointments. Troops of crosses and troubles. Perhaps keen bereavements. And thus brings down the high tree, dries up the green tree, etc. But behold the low tree, the dry tree. The lowly Christian says, "I am nothing." He lives by faith on the Son of God, etc. He abases Himself, etc. He glories in the cross, etc. He makes mention of Christ's righteousness, etc. He dwells in the dust. God exalts, blesses, makes fruitful, etc., lifts them up forever. Application — 1. Learn the evil of self-exaltation. Avoid it. Watch against it. Pray against it. 2. Be clothed with humility. What peace, safety, and honour are here. 3. God must have all the glory. See the text; also Daniel 6:34. (Anon.). Parallel Verses KJV: And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it. |
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