Finding Life Through Surrender

Weekday Posts
Written By Dean Collins

By Dean Collins

Both in the Old and New Testaments we find the use of riddles, parables, and metaphors as a way of presenting wisdom and truth. At the end of chapter 17 of Ezekiel we read, “I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.” In the kingdom of God, things are often flipped. Greatness is not achieved through power, though from an earthly standpoint, that seems to be the case. Greatness comes from humility, service, and surrender.

After the king of Judah was taken to Babylon, a figurehead king was appointed in Jerusalem. King Zedekiah was in denial about his circumstances and sought help from Egypt to resist Babylon’s authority. What Zedekiah failed to understand was that he was resisting God’s plan by seeking help in Egypt. This rebellion did not end well. Rebellion against God’s plans never ends well.

Yet, no matter how many times and ways we run from or rebel against God, we cannot stop God’s pursuit of redemption and restoration for humanity and for all of his creation. We find in this last paragraph of Ezekiel 17 a picture of what will happen when Jesus arrives to initiate his kingdom. A tender twig planted by God becomes the source of life for humanity. 

Jesus uses similar language in John 15 when he speaks of the vine and the branches, stating clearly that when we abide in Christ, we find our source of life. And as we are nourished by Jesus, we are able to produce abundant fruit: “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” 

Father, today we pray that you would help us learn from the failure of the kings and people of Judah who resisted your correction and your instructions. Make our hearts tender to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we abide in you. Nourish us by your word and through your Holy Spirit so that the fruit of the Spirit might be visible in our lives and demonstrated by our actions. We long to know you more deeply and serve others with your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Ezekiel 17:22-24; John 15:1-8 ESV

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Dean Collins

Pastor, campus minister, counselor, corporate employee, Fortune 500 consultant, college president—Dean brings a wide range of experiences and perspectives to his daily walk with God’s Word. 

In 1979 he founded Auburn Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational campus ministry that still thrives today. In 1989 he founded and became executive director for New Directions Counseling Center, a service that grew to include several locations and counselors. In 1996 he became vice president of human resources for the CheckFree Corporation (3,000 employees) till founding DC Consulting in 1999. He continues part-time service with that company, offering executive leadership coaching, organizational effectiveness advice, and help with optimizing business relationships.

His latest pursuit, president of Point University since 2006 (interim president 2006-2009), has seen the college grow in enrollment, curriculum, physical campus, and athletic offerings. He led the school’s 2012 name change and relocation from Atlanta Christian College, East Point, Georgia, to Point University in West Point, Georgia. Meanwhile, he serves as board member or active volunteer with several nonprofits addressing issues ranging from global immunization to local government and education. 

He lives in Lanett, Alabama, with his wife, Penny. He has four children (two married) and five grandchildren. He plays the guitar, likes to cook, and enjoys getting outdoors, often on a nearby golf course. 

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The King Above All Kings