Ezekiel 17 -- The Promise of the Messiah

Ezekiel is given a riddle to convey to what remained of the citizens of Judah.  It included a great tree (the royal dynasty of David), two eagles (Nebuchanezzar and Pharaoh), and three shoots (King Jehoiachin, King Zedikiah, and Messiah the King).

The allegory told with complete honesty the end of Judah that the captives would witness, but it also gave the tantalizing depiction of Messiah the King and how God would continue the Messianic line in order to bring about His kingship one day.

God fulfilled all of the prophecies, even down to the birth of Christ, which would happen hundreds of years in Ezekiel's future.  The designs and plans of men cannot overcome the plans and will of God.  He is sovereign and in control.

Father, thank you for this reminder that You are outside of time, that You know the future, and that you control events in Your power.  Only a God like You could still my heart and help me to know that You have all of history in Your hands and that I need not worry.  You are in control.

-- 
Your Brother In Christ,