“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: As the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give up the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (Ezekiel 15:6 ESV).
When Ezekiel spoke these words, Jerusalem had not yet fallen, but many of Judah’s people were already in exile in Babylon. Through a short parable, the LORD compared His people to a vine among the trees of the forest. Unlike other trees, vine-wood is weak and crooked—useless for making furniture or tools. Its only purpose is to bear fruit. If it fails to do so, it’s only good for burning. In the same way, Judah had failed to fulfill her covenant purpose: to bear fruit for God’s glory among the nations. Instead, the people had become idolatrous and faithless. So God declared, “As the wood of the vine … so will I give up the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” The fire of Babylon’s armies would consume the city. This was not mere fate but divine judgment. Yet even this fiery discipline had redemptive intent—to make them “know that I am the LORD” (v. 7).
Jesus later gave fuller meaning of this metaphor when He said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1). As believers, we are branches in that vine. When we abide in Christ, His life flows through us, producing spiritual fruit. But when we live self-centered, fruitless lives, we resemble the vine-wood of Ezekiel’s vision—dry and useless. The Father lovingly prunes fruitful branches so they bear more fruit, but He also removes those that do not abide.
Let us ask the Lord to examine our hearts. Are we (or our congregations) like the vine-wood — unproductive and fit only for burning? Or like the fruitful branches in Christ?
PRAYER: Dear Father, You are the Vinedresser, and Jesus is the true Vine. Help us abide in Him, bearing fruit that pleases You. Keep us from spiritual barrenness and prune away all that hinders Your life in us. Less of me. More of You. In Jesus’ name, amen.