What other Scriptures emphasize unity among God's people like Ezekiel 37:20? The Vision of the Joined Sticks: A Snapshot Ezekiel 37:20 — “When the sticks on which you write are in your hand and in full view of the people.” • The LORD visibly joins Judah and Joseph to prove He will weld His people into “one nation” (v. 22). • The picture points to an undivided covenant family under one King (v. 24). Old-Testament Echoes of God-Wrought Oneness • Psalm 133:1 — “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” • Isaiah 11:13 — “Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor will Judah harass Ephraim.” • Zephaniah 3:9 — “Then I will restore pure speech to the peoples, so that all may call upon the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder.” • Zechariah 14:9 — “On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth— the LORD alone, and His name alone.” • Jeremiah 32:38-39 — “They will be My people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way…” Christ’s Prayer and Provision for Unity • John 10:16 — “They will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one Shepherd.” • John 17:21-23 — “That they all may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me… that the world may know You sent Me.” • Matthew 12:25 — “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste…”—a sober reminder of the cost of disunity. New-Testament Instructions to Live the Unity Christ Secured • Acts 2:44-47 — The earliest believers “were together and had everything in common.” • Romans 12:4-5 — “We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” • 1 Corinthians 1:10 — “That there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in mind and conviction.” • 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 — “By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” • Ephesians 2:14-16 — Christ “has made the two one… to reconcile both to God in one body through the cross.” • Ephesians 4:3-6 — “One body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” • Philippians 2:1-2 — “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.” • Colossians 3:14-15 — “Above all, put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” • Hebrews 10:24-25 — “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds… not neglecting to meet together.” Themes That Weave the Passages Together • A single Shepherd-King gathers a scattered people. • Unity originates in God’s covenant promise, not human diplomacy. • Oneness is visibly displayed so the watching world recognizes God’s hand. • Spiritual unity is lived out through mutual service, shared worship, and steadfast love. • Division opposes God’s stated will and damages witness. Living the Reality Today • Embrace every fellow believer as family, regardless of background. • Guard the local church from factions by exalting Christ above preferences. • Let love govern speech, social media posts, and doctrinal discussions. • Support gospel efforts that cross ethnic and denominational lines without compromising truth. • Pray and labor for the day when the joined “sticks” stand as an everlasting testimony to the wisdom and power of God. |
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