Scripture Union Daily Guide 16th August 2021 – Consequences Of Disloyalty

Scripture Union Daily Guide 16th August 2021 Monday Message

Topic: Consequences Of Disloyalty

Opening Prayer: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.

Scripture: Ezekiel 17: 1-24

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?

• Is there any warning for me to heed?

This is a symbolic message from God to the people of Israel. The Prophet Ezekiel hoped that the riddle would awaken his dull and stubborn hearers and give them something to think about. The parable (vs.3-10) is about the kings (“Shoots”) of Judah. At the time the Kingdom of Judah was a vassal state of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar (the First Eagle) took king Jehoiachin (the top shoot of David’s family tree) from Jerusalem (Lebanon) to exile and “planted” Zedekiah (the Seed) to rule (vs.5-6). The image of the Eagle that spared no effort in providing for the vine describes God’s care for Israel.

Nebuchadnezzar showed kindness to the king of Judah and made a treaty with him, but Zedekiah rebelled and sought allegiance with the King of Egypt (the second Eagle – vs.7&15). This foolish decision on the part of Zedekiah resulted in the end of the kingdom of Judah. In our effort to gain more outside God, we may lose what we already have. The arm of flesh shall fail us.

The last part of the chapter turns the story around with the prophecy of judgment ending in hope. One day the dynasty of David in the person of Jesus Christ would once again be raised up as the source of blessing for all nations (v.24). There is hope for the rebellious to renew their loyalty in Christ today.

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• O Lord, help me never to take your grace for granted by rebelling against you.

• Thank God for His love in preserving His church in the face of intense persecution in parts of the world such as Northern Nigeria and many Islamic nations.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with PSALM 147:3-6;Psalms 94-96; Gal. 1

Scripture Union Daily Guide 16th  August 2021. Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God