Tree of Rest

With the launch of our app (download for free!), we can now start uploading daily devotionals. For the time being, these posts will follow the lectionary – a centuries old rotation of biblical texts. Using the lectionary will help ensure a diversity of topics and scriptures while also being rhythmic and consistent. Every week you can expect a reading from the Old Testament, the psalms, the gospels, and the epistles. Today we begin with Ezekiel 17:22-24:
22Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind. 24All the trees of the field shall know that I am the LORD. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have spoken; I will accomplish it.
 
Ezekiel delivers these metaphoric words about trees to speak a word of hope to the Israelites living in exile in Babylon. As exiles, the Israelites had been conquered and uprooted from their home to live in a foreign place with foreign customs, religions, and lifestyle. In Babylon they were a tired, broken, confused, and weary people; they were birds with no place to nest. So God promised through Ezekiel that one day soon God would plant a tree that would grow into a strong and large shade tree capable of providing rest to all the birds that desperately need a tree to nest in.
 
This kind of prophecy is not uncommon in the prophets, and this promise of a tree is a messianic promise. God was guaranteeing to exiled Israel that one day soon God would send a savior who would bring them rest and peace like they hadn’t had in years. Today, we know this tree as Jesus, and he promised the same rest when he said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30). 
 
Like Israel, you might find yourself feeling tired from the pressures of this world, or wounded by past regret, or pained physically from illness, or lost in the choices you face day to day. If so, Ezekiel’s promise of a tree to rest in is an opportunity found in following Jesus, who loves us so deeply that he offers to help us carry our burdens, worries, and struggles. So today, spend time in prayer and rest in the strong branches of God’s love. Hand over your concerns, battles, and cares to the God who is exceedingly capable to provide.