Today’s passage: Ezekiel 15
Helpful thoughts:
- This comparison of Israel and a vine is much different than what we find in different parts of the Bible. This description is not hopeful or life-giving. It speaks to their judgment.
- In comparison to all other woods, the wood of a vine is of no value but to use for burning.
- If Israel thought they were better of more useful than anyone else, they were mistaken.
- Israel had earned judgment (As “fuel” for fire). For this, they have been deemed “useful.”
Questions to consider:
- Would it be right for us to think ourselves more useful to God in our natural state? What does Romans 3 teach us about what we were all like (Romans 3:9-12)?
- What causes the transformation in us? Why are we (Who were once only fit for judgment) now useful to the building up of the kingdom? (Ephesians 2:8-10)
- How do these Gospel truths shape the way we see God, ourselves, and others in the world around us? What does anyone need before they have the ability to change and grow? Without worrying about how others can be useful to me, how can I be useful to God and others today?