This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain.

Ezekiel 17: 22

As I read this verse in Ezekiel, I thought, Wait a minute. No one takes a shoot from the top of a tree and plants it. The shoot would surely die! Yet, God declares, On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches (Ezekiel 22:23).

I grabbed my computer and researched: how to plant a shoot from the top of a tree. Numerous steps were detailed for that shoot to survive; yet, no steps are given in scripture. (I realize I’m thinking literally about that which is a parable, but bear with me.) This literal look led me to a truth about God: What God establishes thrives! You and I wouldn’t plant a shoot and expect it to live. Yet, what the Sovereign Lord plants or establishes thrives!

God declares that He brings down the tall tree and makes the low tree grow tall. He dries up the green tree and makes the dry tree flourish. (Ezekiel 17:24) What God establishes thrives!

These scriptures are a parable prophesying the coming of the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the shoot or branch from the line of David. (Zechariah 6:12) He is the lowly Servant whom God has exalted, and His kingdom flourishes with people from every nation. (Philippians 2: 6-11, Revelation 5:9-10) What God has established through Jesus Christ will thrive forever!

There is a medical diagnosis for children called failure to thrive. May that never be our spiritual diagnosis! As a believer in Jesus and a part of God’s kingdom, you are established to thrive!

Thank you, Lord, that I am established in your kingdom forever. Cause me to thrive for your glory!

Jan Burkhart