Giving God Control
I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree,
dried up the green tree and made the dry tree flourish;
I, the Lord, have spoken and have done it.”
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Ezekiel 17:24
A bonsai tree, is a beautiful ornamental tree that is a miniature version of what you find wild in nature. There is no genetic difference between a bonsai and its full-size counterpart. It is simply that a shallow pot, pruning and root trimming restrict growth, so the plant remains small.
The bonsai trees make wonderful decorative plants, but it also illustrates the power of control. It is true that we can manipulate their growth as the trees respond to their environment, but God is ultimately the One who makes things grow.
God spoke to the prophet Ezekiel this way: “I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree” (Ezekiel 17:24). God was foreshadowing future events when He would “uproot” the nation of Israel by allowing the Babylonians to invade. In the future, however, God would plant a new tree in Israel that would bear fruit, with “birds of every kind” finding shelter in the shade of its branches (v 23) God said that no matter how many upcoming events seemed out of control, He was still in charge.
Bible Reading
Ezekiel 17:19–24.
Prayer
I praise You, loving God, as the all-powerful King. Help me acknowledge Your lordship in my life, and hand over full control to You. In Jesus name. Amen.
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