Since the days of King Rehoboam, son of Solomon, has Israel been a “split” nation. Often called the “Northern” Kingdom and the “Southern” Kingdom. At times even being designated by their capital cities; Samaria and Jerusalem. Or by their largest tribes; Ephraim and Judah.
And though not divided by tribal identity today, Israel still is a very splintered Country. Politics, culture, worldviews … how disparate that little Nation is right now.
But all that will change … when Jesus comes again. And that’s the Focus of today’s Ezekiel 37 Text. God is here (again) talking to His Prophet, whom He lovingly calls “son of man” … “16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: 17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. 18 And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? 19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. 20 And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes. 21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: 22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all.” Ezekiel 37:16-22, again a longer Passage than usual, but you must read it to understand my comments.
Two “sticks” … about to be joined as one!
“Judah” representing the south and “Joseph” (whose son was “Ephraim”) here standing for the north.
Made “one” in Christ Jesus the King and our Saviour!
God thrives on unity, when that harmony is rightly achieved and maintained.
As in … “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:3-6
As in … “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Amazing, Psalm 133, all of it!
Something God “hates” as well … “He that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:19
Yes, this specific example of God granted Unity is yet future, Millennial … but literal nonetheless.
I suppose I can begin to close this segment of Ezekiel 37 by reminding us that we should also be living in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, those truly born again.
Paul is grieved here … “When ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.” The Corinthians, who else?
Paul again, on how to live day by day as believers … “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18
Jesus’ Prayer for us, a Petition I believe He is still asking of the Father … “Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE, AS WE ARE .”John 17:11
Wow!
This “Unity” thing clearly means a lot to God, no doubt because He is One! (The “Godhead,” Paul says; “Father and Son and Holy Spirit!” Never a cross Word!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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