Sticks and Unity

O. T. #1931 "Sticks and Unity"

April 29, 2021

Ezekiel 31-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

After David was confronted with his sins, he wrote theses verses:

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Caste me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. (verse 11)

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit. (verse 12)

David knew his heart needed changing. He deliberately disobeyed God's laws. The Lord did forgive David, but allowed him to suffer the consequences of his sins. Because we are born with a sin nature, none of us are perfect nor holy. We need a clean heart and right spirit for new thoughts and desires. Jesus forgives our sins and sets us free from the penalty of sin-death spiritually. First we must ask His forgiveness. Then our joy and gladness are restored.

LET IT GROW

When Ezekiel saw dry bones come alive in his vision God gave him, he knew Israel would live again, be resurrected. This happened when the remnant of Jews went back to Jerusalem (from Judah and Israel, both northern and southern tribes). Then in the Lord told the prophet to take two sticks to illustrate this. What would result in this (verses 21-24)?

• The Jews would be gathered together in their own land. (verse 21)
• They would form one nation. (verse 22)
• They would have one king. (verse 22)
•  No more would they worship idols nor have detestable things. (verse 23)
• They would be cleansed from their sins.
• God would be their God.(verse 23)

The MacArthur Bible Commentary sums this up by saying God gave Israel three promises:

1. restoration (verse 21)
2. unification (verse 22)
3. purification (verse 23)

Again, it was in 1948 when Israel was recognized as a nation. During the Millennium, Jesus Christ the Messiah will return to reign as Israel's King and King over all the earth.

 

LET IT GO

Cleanse our hearts, change our hearts and attitudes in American, Jesus.

Restore joy to the hearts of believers and Your churches.