How can we apply the message of unity in Ezekiel 37:16 today? Setting the Verse in View “And you, son of man, take a stick and write on it, ‘Belonging to Judah and to the Israelites associated with him.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘Belonging to Joseph (the stick of Ephraim) and to all the house of Israel associated with him.’” (Ezekiel 37:16) Why the Two Sticks Mattered • Divided kingdom: Judah in the south, Israel (Ephraim) in the north • Exile scattered them, but God promised reunification • The sticks, joined in the prophet’s hand, pictured one restored nation under one Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:22, 24) God’s Unchanging Passion for Oneness • Unity reveals His covenant faithfulness (Jeremiah 31:31–34) • Unity displays His glory to the nations (John 17:21–23) • Unity reflects the harmony of Father, Son, and Spirit (Ephesians 4:3–6) Bringing the Prophetic Picture Forward Just as God refused to leave His people fragmented, He calls believers today to refuse division: 1. One Body—many members (1 Corinthians 12:12–27) 2. One Gospel—no rival agendas (Galatians 1:6–9) 3. One Hope—shared future in Christ (Ephesians 4:4) Practical Ways to Live the Message of Unity • Guard the tongue – Reject gossip and slander (James 3:5–10) – Speak words that build up (Ephesians 4:29) • Prioritize reconciliation – Quickly seek peace when offended (Matthew 5:23–24) – Forgive as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13) • Celebrate diversity of gifts – Value every believer’s contribution (Romans 12:4–8) – Serve side-by-side rather than competing • Stay anchored in Scripture – Test every teaching (Acts 17:11) – Unite around core doctrine, show charity in secondary issues • Pray for oneness – Follow Jesus’ model in John 17, asking that the world may believe Unity in the Local Church • Shared worship: singing, Scripture reading, and Communion remind us we are one family • Collaborative ministry: small groups, evangelism teams, outreach projects bond hearts • Accountability: mutual encouragement resists sin and strengthens faith (Hebrews 10:24–25) Unity Beyond the Church Walls • Family: practice humility and mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21) • Community: partner with like-minded believers for mercy ministries (Matthew 25:40) • Workplace: demonstrate Christlike integrity that draws coworkers together (Philippians 2:14–15) Living the Joined-Stick Story Today The Lord took two fractured pieces and made them one in Ezekiel’s hand. Let every interaction this week echo that miracle: look for chances to link hearts, mend rifts, and showcase the oneness Christ died to secure (Ephesians 2:14–16). |
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