Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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UNITY IN WITNESS
Ezekiel 37:15-22

I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king overall (Ezekiel 37:22)

The historical situation of the brokenness of Israel and Judah was a sign not just of political instability but of a deep-seated spiritual problem. The Hebrews wanted a king to rule them, even though God told them their kings would all fall short of His purposes. Though the people were hopeful, the kings of were not able to live up to the task of representing God to the people and bringing the people to God. Instead, in all their sinful frailties, they led the people astray. The divided kingdom was a painful confirmation of the failures of the kings. The division of the kingdom naturally led to a fall of both Israel and Judah and gave way to exile.

Both Isaiah and Jeremiah predicted a return from captivity for the nations, but Ezekiel's vision goes even farther down the years. He foresaw a time of unity. But this unity was not based on political unification or geographical consolidation. It is instead rooted in the singular leadership of the one true King. Ezekiel's message of unity through this new king would only be understood hundreds of years later. Jesus is the one true king that unites what sin had divided. The new Israel, God's chosen ones, would be brought together under Christ. The coming together of the separated people stands as a testimony to the peace and grace the new King brings.

Today there are many that have been separated. Denominations find their oneness in the singular message of the Gospel of Jesus. People groups can find their common humanity in the one true King. The outcast and marginalized, the lonely and forgotten are restored and separated no more under the Lordship of Christ. Our lives must testify through the uniting nature of Christ that He is the one true, everlasting King.
PRAYER 
Heavenly Father, draw us closer to you so that our unity with you is visible in our oneness with each other.Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When we are one in Christ then we will be one in our witness.

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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