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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 043. Eze 34:29. The Plant Of Renown
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Eze_34:29. The Plant Of Renown
"I will raise up for them a plant or renown."—Eze_34:29.
To Christ gave all the prophets witness. They did this in various forms: by express reference to his person and glory; and by figurative allusions to his character and works. The language of metaphor was often employed, as being the most striking and interesting medium of communication. Hence Isaiah refers to Messiah as a Rock a Foundation, Precious Stone, &c.; Zechariah alludes to him as a Fountain opened and Malachi, as the Sun of Righteousness which should arise with healing in his wings. The prophet Ezekiel speaks of him in the text as a plant that should be raised up, even a plant of renown.
Let us consider, I. The Plant. II. The Renown. III. The Raising up.—"I will raise up for them," &c.
I. The Plant.
By the plant, Christ is evidently intend ed. The same figure is employed by Isaiah, Eze_11:1; also by Jeremiah, Eze_23:5 Two ideas seem conveyed to us by this metaphor:
1. His lowly appearance.
Not represented as a lofty cedar; but as a lowly, tender plant. Isaiah, when describing Christ in like manner, says, "He shall grow up as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground;" Isa_50:2; and how literally did it take place! Behold his parentage, his birthplace, his external appearance, his occupation, &c.; servant of servants; no pomp, no splendid retinue, companion of fishermen, &c. The description of Christ as a plant may denote,
2. His hidden character.
The chief part of a plant is concealed, hidden from the eye of observation, under ground, &c. In Christ's body of humiliation dwelt the Deity. God was manifest in the flesh. The divine Word tabernacled among us, says John, and we beheld his glory; though he assumed a servant's name and appearance, yet he thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Joh_1:14; Php_2:6. Observe,
II. The Renown this Plant should obtain.
"I will raise up for them a plant of renown." The term renown signifies fame, celebrity, distinction, &c. Keeping in new the metaphor of the prophet, we may observe, that this plant is justly renowned,
1. For its abundant fruitfulness.
Some beautiful plants yield no fruit; and others, fruit only of an inferior description. This plant yields fruit of a most precious kind, and in rich abundance. All his offices are full of precious fruit to man—all his acts—all the events of his life—birth, baptism, temptation, sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, &c. He is the tree of life, spoken of by John in the Revelation, which bears twelve manner of fruits, &c. Christ is full of grace and truth. Rev_22:2. It is renowned,
2. For its unrivalled virtues.
Many plants are medicinal; this is so in the highest degree; its leaves are expressly for the healing of the nations. It is human nature's catholicon. It yields a balm for every ill and wo connected with the sinsick family of man. No disease too powerful or malignant for its virtues to remove. It is renowned,
3. For its cooling shade.
This is of the greatest importance in the sultry regions of the East; and this idea is often associated with the descriptions given of Messiah. "He shall be," says the prophet, "as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." He also represents him as "a refuge from the storm, and a shadow from the heat." And he says: "There shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the heat;" Isa_4:6; Isa_25:4; Isa_32:2. Under the cooling shade of this plant the believing soul sits with great delight. It is renowned,
4. For its vast extent.
Its branches are only bounded by the circumference of the globe itself. It is the world's plant, for the benefit of all the nations that dwell on the earth. "He is the propitiation for the sins of the world;" and his gospel is to be preached to every creature. This plant is renowned,
5. For perpetual verdure.
It is an evergreen; its leaves never fade, and its virtues never fail. To this plant believing souls have had recourse in every age down from Abel, to the present hour; and its fruit shall form the provision of the heavenly banquet forever and ever. Observe,
III. Its predicted Exaltation.
"I will raise up for them a plant," &c. This was in part realized, in the ancient types and sacrifices. All these referred to the Saviour, and shadowed forth the office he should sustain, and the sufferings he should endure. The same refers to the prophecies and promises of which Christ was the sum and substance. But the exaltation predicted may refer more properly,
1. To Christ's incarnation.
Hence, Zacharias rejoiced and sang. "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel," &c., "for he hath raised up an horn of salvation," &c. Simeon, also, exclaimed. "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation," &c.; Luk_1:67; Luk_2:29, &c. He was exalted or raised up,
2. At his baptism.
Now, he was called from obscurity, and publicly anointed for his great work, by the Holy Ghost descending upon him, and the Father attesting his divine character and mission in a voice from the excellent glory, saying: "This is my beloved Son," &c. The prediction was accomplished literally,
3. When he was raised up on the cross.
Peter remarks, that God had predetermined that Christ should thus be put to death. And Christ referred to the manner of his death, when he said, "If 1 be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me;" Joh_12:32. See also Joh_3:14, Joh_3:15. But he was raised up on the cross that he might be cut down, and he was cut down publicly, amidst the execrations of the infuriated and blood-thirsty populace; amidst the weepings and wailings of his disciples, and of many of the daughters of Israel; cut down amidst the triumph of wicked men, and the acclamations of fallen spirits; amidst the rending of the veil—cleaving asunder of rocks—the opening of graves—earthquake—darkness, &c.; cut down, a spectacle to devils, angels, and men. This predicted exaltation was realized,
4. By his resurrection from the dead.
He was indeed slain, dead and buried; but it was not possible that he should beholden of death. He was raised with power and glory from the dead the third day. He was raised up,
5. By his exaltation to his Father's throne and glory.
He is now exalted to the right hand of the majesty on high. Above all principality and power; enjoying universal authority and power. "Sit thou on my right hand," &c. "Exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour," &c. Raised up,
6. By the preaching of the cross.
Grand end of the gospel ministry to exhibit this plant; to specify its properties, and to persuade men to a trial of its saving virtues. Christ is the Alpha and Omega of evangelical preaching. This plant is, and shall be, exalted or raised up,
7. In the acclamations of the redeemed forever and ever.
On him every eye shall gaze; his glory every tongue shall confess; and the whole company of the redeemed shall sing one song, viz.: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain," &c. Rev_5:12; Rev_7:9.
Application
1. How stands this plant in our estimation? Do we admire it? Have we received its healing virtues? Do we feed upon its delightful fruit?
2. Let the church exalt the plant. In all things may He have the preeminence. Children of Zion, be joyful in your King.
3. Let his fame be spread abroad; that the guilty sons of men may repair to him, and obtain life and salvation.