The Pattern for a Fruitful Tree
đź“– THE PATTERN FOR A FRUITFUL TREE
Text: Ezekiel 17:1–10
Theme: Knowing what it takes to have and keep a fruit-bearing tree
🌿 Opening Thought
Ezekiel 17 presents a parable of two eagles and two trees, symbolizing Babylon, Egypt, and the downfall of Judah’s kings—Jeconiah and Zedekiah.
Zedekiah had the opportunity to grow and thrive under Nebuchadnezzar but rebelled and was plucked up.
He was planted in a good place, but because of impatience and pride, his fruit was cut off.
🌱 I. GOOD SOIL (Ezek. 17:5, 8)
Zedekiah was placed in a fruitful field with “seed of the land.”
The soil was already proven to be good (cf. Matthew 13:8, 23).
Why seek other ground when you're already planted in good ground?
Application:
🌾 God has already placed you in a fruitful environment (church, Bible, prayer). Don’t abandon it chasing the world.
Quote:
“Contentment is the soil in which the flower of fruitfulness grows best.” – 19th-century proverb
đź’§ II. GREAT WATERS (Ezek. 17:5, 8)
Fruitful trees need abundant water – Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7–8
Furrows (v. 10) help distribute water deeply to the roots
Why Furrows Matter:
Irrigation – Deep watering = deep roots
Drainage – Prevents rot and disease
Aeration – Loosens the soil for healthy root growth
Weed Control – Clear paths around the tree
Erosion Control – Stabilizes growth during storms
Fertilizer Efficiency – Keeps nourishment at the roots
📖 Psalm 65:10–13; Psalm 129:3
Application:
💦 God has plowed furrows in your life—times of testing, correction, and guidance—to grow you. Don’t resist the shaping.
Quote:
“God plows deep when He means to plant high.” – A.W. Tozer
🌳 III. GROWTH (Ezek. 17:6)
Trees in good soil with great water are meant to grow and bear fruit.
Luke 13:7 – A tree without fruit is only taking up space.
Hosea 10:1 – Israel was fruitful but only for itself.
True growth only comes when you stay planted where God puts you.
đź“– Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 3:6; John 15:5; Genesis 2:9
Application:
🌿 Don't envy other fields. Contentment and faithfulness bring the best growth. Spiritual rebellion begins when we think we can do better than God’s will.
Quote:
“A tree’s strength is in its roots, not in its branches.” – George Müller
⚠️ Closing Challenge
ZClosing Thought: Zedekiah wanted more than what God allowed, and his pride led him to rebel and disobey God’s words. Like him, many believers begin being fruitful but become restless, envious, or dissatisfied. When we chase the world’s ways, take shortcuts, or refuse God’s leading, our roots weaken, our fruit withers, and we’re left with only the leaves of self-righteousness.
Final Scripture:
🗡 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7