Chapter 778 of 1163

Ezekiel 15–16

Unfruitfulness (15). The vine was a familiar emblem of Israel (Ps. 80:8–13; Isa. 5:1–7). Vines are good for only two things: bearing or burning. You do not build with wood from the vine because it does not lend itself to being cut and shaped. If the vine does not bear fruit, it is useless, and that was the condition of God’s people in Ezekiel’s day. If you share the life of God through faith in Jesus Christ, let that life reveal itself in the fruit you bear for His glory.

Unfaithfulness (16). Israel was the wife of Jehovah only because of His grace and love. She was in wretched shape when He called her and saved her. He showered her with gifts, which she used to commit spiritual adultery as she worshiped the idols of the other nations. She was both an adulterous wife who broke the marriage covenant and a harlot who paid others to sin with her. God judged Sodom and Israel (Samaria, the northern kingdom), but that did not deter Judah; she went right on sinning. No wonder God became angry and judged the people.

In Romans 7:4, Paul applies these two images to believers: we are “married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.” Jesus Christ wants our single-hearted devotion as we share our love with Him (2 Cor. 11:2–3).

“Lord, let me not live to be useless.”

Wesley

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