Fickle or Faithful

"Then this message came to me from the LORD: 'Son of man, give this riddle, and tell this story to the people of Israel. Give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: 'A great eagle with broad wings and long feathers, covered with many-coloured plumage, came to Lebanon. He seized the top of a cedar tree and plucked off its highest branch. He carried it away to a city filled with merchants. He planted it in a city of traders. He also took a seedling from the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside a broad river, where it could grow like a willow tree. It took root there and grew into a low, spreading vine. Its branches turned up toward the eagle, and its roots grew down into the ground. It produced strong branches and put out shoots. But then another great eagle came with broad wings and full plumage. So the vine now sent its roots and branches toward him for water, even though it was already planted in good soil and had plenty of water so it could grow into a splendid vine and produce rich leaves and luscious fruit. So now the Sovereign LORD asks: Will this vine grow and prosper? No! I will pull it up, roots and all! I will cut off its fruit and let its leaves wither and die. I will pull it up easily without a strong arm or a large army. But when the vine is transplanted, will it thrive? No, it will wither away when the east wind blows against it. It will die in the same good soil where it had grown so well.'" Ezekiel 17:1-10

I make no apologies for the long scripture text today. God's Word is far more important than mine. Recognizing that this riddle has symbolism regarding God and the nation of Israel, and without delving deep into the political implications and the ruling powers, my attention was drawn to both the potential to flourish when we are faithful to the Lord, and how quickly we give it all up at the sudden appearance of something new. Once our trust is placed in the Lord, we must remain in "good soil" throughout our lifetime.

Earlier today I received a message from a friend who had been invited to attend a baptism of a young man she knew. Because he extended the invitation she wanted to be present to witness this step of obedience. He had previously been part of a Bible-believing, truth-teaching body of believers, but over the past couple of years he had moved to another gathering that was questionable in Biblical content. My friend discovered in the four hours she was at this "baptism" that it was far from scriptural in procedure. Included in the service were, and I quote, "candle lighting for the dead, kissing pictures of 'saints', eating of 'holy bread' and various other rituals. No Bible was ever opened."

Here was a person who had once been part of a fellowship, planted in "fertile soil", "beside a broad river" where growth could happen and roots produce strong branches, putting out new shoots. Then another "eagle" appears, swoops in, and allegiance immediately turns to something new and attractive. How very easily influenced we can be when we do not know God's Word. How could this young man be so deceived? I think what frightens me most is that this soul believes he is "found". What a scary place to be. What moved his heart from truth to confusion and deception?

This message stood in stark contrast to the baptisms witnessed yesterday morning at my home church. Two men, one older and one younger, taking steps of obedience and declaring their love for Christ. No candle lighting, but hearts set on fire for the Lord. No kissing pictures of saints, but worshipping at the feet of the One and Only God. No eating of holy bread, but tasting the goodness of the Lord. Friends, truth is continually being twisted. Take heed. Placing confidence in anything outside of Biblical truth we will wither and die. Be faithful, not fickle.