Planted

Once upon a time there was a tall, wide, hefty cedar tree that was admired by all far and wide. Then came an eagle that happened to land on the tree. As it flew away it grasped a branch in its clasp. The twig got planted in a fertile patch of soil by the river. After many days it sprung alive, and another tree was formed. Yet this new tree was weak and feeble and could not withstand much resistance, unlike its parent, it never grew to any significance and was eventually uprooted.

God used this allegory in Ezekiel to speak to the Israelites in their rebellion. As he predicted their fall, his question was “who planted you”? Who planted you is a question of viability and purpose. Except the Lord builds a house they that build, labour in vain. Many like the cedar are planted by accident. Often living life without a true sense of purpose and mission while some who fortune on a cause never fully succeed. Like the newly planted tree they lack the fortitude that undergirds a purpose birthed from the bowels of God.

Who planted you? What is your foundation? Why are you building? Search to answer these questions, hearkening to the voice of God himself. May you be a tall cedar of Lebanon spreading its branches wide, providing shade to many and nesting the birds of the air.