The Lutheran Seminary of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Monday, 8 June 2015 - Scripture: Ezekiel 17:22-24

The Lutheran Seminary of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Monday, 8 June 2015 - Scripture: Ezekiel 17:22 “Adonai Elohim says, ‘From the top of this tall cedar, from its highest branch, I will take a shoot and plant it myself on a high and prominent mountain. 23 I will plant it on the highest mountain in Isra’el, where it will put out branches, bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it will live all kinds of birds; winged creatures of every description will live there in the shadow of its branches. 24 Then all the trees of the field will know that I, Adonai, bring down the tall tree and raise up the low tree, wither the green tree and make the withered tree bear fruit. I, Adonai, have spoken; and I will do it.’”[Complete Jewish Bible]

Isaac Newton is quoted as saying "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." He was phenomenally accomplished in mathematics, science and other disciplines; yet he gave credit to others.
All of us have privileges that come from our standing on the shoulders of those who went before us—our creature comforts, our spiritual insights, our modern health systems, our civic structures all came through the labors of countless others before us.
Ezekiel reminds us that the twig that is to grow into Israel was broken off a lofty cedar. Paul reminds us that we Gentiles are like wild olive branches grafted into Israel. We are part of a vast and storied history of faith. God has planted us and caused us to grow. God brings the high tree low and the low tree up as God brings life, sustenance and protection.
There is a deep and abiding promise that when we feed and clothe, comfort and sustain, visit and remember those on the fringes we encounter Jesus. Let us welcome the gigantic inheritance that is ours and use it to care for all as God directs and empowers us. And let us make sure to let others care for us as well.
God, you have spoken and you will accomplish. Let your words be heard and abide in us. Let your accomplishments happen in and through us so others might see your works and give glory to you. Amen.
Karl Hester
Pastor, Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Salem, Ore.
Master of Divinity , 2001
Ezekiel 17:22 Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.
23 On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind.
24 All the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the Lord have spoken; I will accomplish it.[New Revised Standard Versiion]

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