How can we apply the unity in Ezekiel 37:20 to the modern Church? Setting the Scene “ When the sticks on which you write are in your hand and in full view of the people.” (Ezekiel 37:20) In Ezekiel’s acted‐out prophecy, two separate sticks—marked “Judah” and “Joseph”—become one in his hand, showing Israel’s future restoration under one King. The picture is concrete, public, and unmistakable: God makes formerly divided people visibly one. Key Observations from the Verse • Two once‐distinct identities are now permanently joined. • The prophet holds the united stick “in full view,” so everyone witnesses the miracle. • The unity doesn’t erase names; it welds them together under God’s authority. Timeless Principles of Unity 1. Unity is a divine act before it is a human effort. 2. True unity is recognizable—people can see it. 3. God unifies around covenant truth, not convenience. 4. Unity glorifies one Ruler: “My servant David will be king over them” (v. 24). New‐Testament Echoes • John 17:21 — Jesus prays “that all of them may be one … so that the world may believe.” • Ephesians 4:3-6 — “One body … one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” • 1 Corinthians 1:10 — “that there may be no divisions among you.” • Psalm 133:1 — “how good and pleasant” unity is. Bringing It Home: How the Modern Church Can Live This Unity • Make Christ’s Lordship Visible – Keep Jesus, the promised King (Ezekiel 37:24), central in preaching, singing, decision-making, and service. – Evaluate programs and traditions by one standard: Do they exalt Christ or personal preference? • Guard Unity Through Sound Doctrine – Hold fast to “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). – Teach the whole counsel of God so unity rests on shared truth, not vague sentiment. • Showcase Unity Publicly – Partner across congregations for community outreach; let neighbors “see the stick in our hand.” – Celebrate baptisms, testimonies, and joint worship services that cross ethnic and generational lines. • Practice Everyday Reconciliation – Address offenses promptly (Matthew 18:15-17). – Replace gossip with prayer and open conversation (Ephesians 4:29). – Choose forgiveness as a testimony to the cross (Colossians 3:13-14). • Serve Side by Side – Mobilize diverse gifts for one mission (1 Peter 4:10-11). – Short-term teams, mercy ministries, and discipleship pairs blend “Judah” and “Joseph” into one working body. • Guardrails to Keep Unity Biblical – Unity never means tolerating false teaching (2 John 10-11). – Love must be “in truth” (1 John 3:18); sentiment without Scripture crumbles. – Discern spirits; cling to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Living the Miracle The same God who fused two sticks in Ezekiel’s hand is still binding diverse believers into one visible people. As we center on Christ, submit to Scripture, and pursue peace that the world can see, we display the reality Ezekiel pictured—one body, one King, one gospel, held high “in full view of the people.” |
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