S) "4 If it has been put into the fire for fuel, and the fire has consumed both of its ends and its middle part has been charred, is it then useful for anything?"
Ezekiel 15:4 (NASB)
O) The LORD is using an illustration of a vine from a tree, to show how useless that Jerusalem has become. Comparing the wood from the vine, to the wood from a branch, He explains that the branch could at least yield pegs for hanging things (just about the smallest form of wood, still useful). God said the wood from a vine is only useful as fuel for a fire. Furtheore, once it has been burned and charred, that is, once the burning had begun, it is no longer useful for anything at all. The whole point of this chapter, is really to illustrate God's singularity of purpose, now that His judgment has been determined. He will burn Jerusalem as one burns a vine, and there will be no purpose for those who are judged, except destruction.
A) Mostly, these sorts of passages serve as reminders of God's sovereignty and justice. Understanding that His strict judgment is completely justified, helps to better appreciate the grace He has given, and the mercy I receive in Jesus Christ. Left in my sins, I am as useless as a charred vine. But, God has not left me in my guilt, but Christ bore my sins on the cross. I was burned, but God didn't just heal the wounds of my sins (my burns, if you will). God didn't just heal me, He made me new. As a new creation, made with new purpose, fire is no longer my destiny.
P) Father, You are perfect and holy. Your judgments are righteous and true. Thank You for the grace I receive in the gospel, that the wrath I deserve was poured out on Christ. In the mercy I receive, I want to honor Your name. I want to live my life, useful in Your hands, to glorify You and magnify the Way. Help me to live, walking in the Spirit, accomplishing Your purposes. Thank You for life, hope, and love. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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