When the princes of Judah were taken into exile into Babylon, the nation lost its best and brightest young leaders. In this chapter, Ezekiel gives a poetic lament for them. They are compared to lion cubs who are trained by their mother, a mighty lioness. The lioness represents Jerusalem (1-7). These princes were the latest in a historical line of leaders raised up in Israel (10-11). But after the Babylonians attacked, Jerusalem looked like a withered vine with no fruit (8-9, 12-14).

The young generation is the best hope for any nation’s future, so it is indeed sad when so many of them are lost—especially when young people of our time are carried away by sin. How can we prevent this from happening? The church should be an environment where young disciples are nurtured and raised up by spiritual mothers and fathers to be strong spiritual leaders. Then they can use their lion-like strength to save others and bring them into the kingdom of God. Let’s pray that the church may be a lioness that prepares young people to fight the spiritual battle in their generation.
Application: Father, thank you for the strong young people who are God’s hope for the future. Please use our church to raise up godly young leaders.
One Word: Raise many spiritual lions