Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Unity of the Church for the witness of life

Ezekiel 37: 15-22

V17 And join them one to another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand.

         On succession of Solomon's son Rehoboam around the 930 BC, old testament accounts that, old Israel was split into two kingdoms. The Kingdom of Israel in north and the Kingdom of Judah in the south. Here in this scripture portion we see, how God is commanding Prophet Ezekiel be instrumental for a peacemaking accord between the two kingdoms. The Prophet had a vision to unite severed branches of Israel into one and enter into prosperity with one God and one King. God asked Ezekiel to get two sticks and write the names of Judah and Ephraim on each of the sticks which would become one in his hand.

          The unification should happen, first by bringing people to their own land, second, their purification from idolatry, install them as united into one nation, with one King, that leads to King David to the future messiah, third, establishment of Jehovah's peace, and permanent buildup of Jehovah's temple.

           This event is especially significant for the Israelites because it a fulfillment of Jehovah's declaration to all the descendants of Jacob who were heirs of His covenant. After centuries of prejudice and rivalry, God is extending His grace  to the whole house of Israel, not only for Judah but Joseph, Ephraim and his close tribes.

           What does the book of Ezekiel teach us?  God always want his people to purify themselves, come to his presence, leave idolatry of any form, and to be united each other, leaving all prejudice, rivalry, and obey his commandments. The prophet wants to tell people that the disintegration in the society, visualized as dead bones, may be revived itself to life and restoration, if you unite ourselves and obey His commandments.


PRAYER

Dear Lord, restore us from our dead state of prejudice, ego, rivalry, idolatry, and instill life into us, so that we may be useful vessels for your Kingdom.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 
How can a church stand, with all the differences and rivalry, and promote love of Christ to  the world?

Dr. Jerry Varghese, Baltimore MTC MD

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

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