Ezekiel wrote a parable comparing the Jewish people to a vine.  “Your mother was like a vine in a vineyard planted by the water, fruitful and full of branches by reason of abundant water.” (Ezekiel 19:10)  That vine grew strong and tall. (vs. 11)  This is referring to the times God blessed His people and they prospered.  But then the destruction followed. (vs. 12)  Time after time they turned against Him.  God was patient with them just as He is with us, but time eventually ran out.  The parable ends by letting them know this grief was there to stay; “This is a lamentation and has become a lamentation.”  His people as physical Israel may have ended, but His people as spiritual Israel continues.  “This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.” (Romans 9:8)   “For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)

Today’s reading: Ezekiel 13-15