DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Sticks Reunited!
By Elaine Pierce
Scripture often uses object lessons or analogies to teach us deep truths. In today's passage, God tells Ezekiel to use two sticks to illustrate how the two divided kingdoms - Judah and Israel - will one day be united. The sticks are stronger together, and the divided people, God's chosen, will one day be free from bondage: "They will be my people and I will be their God." (v. 23).
The last 4 verses of this passage are interesting, aren't they. God tells Ezekiel that David will be the king of this united nation. How can that be? King David reigned many, many years ago. As Christians, we know that the new King David is our Lord Jesus Christ. The two nations, Israel and Judah, are mini depictions of the whole human race. We declare that we will always follow God, then we turn from him into idolatry and selfish living. We repent, rinse and repeat. Jesus paid the price once and forever for our sins, and Ezekiel paints a beautiful picture of what life will be like when the Lord of Lords and King of Kings is finally in his rightful place on the throne:
"I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people." (v. 26-27).
The two sticks will become one. Christendom, which today is divided into hundreds of rival groups, will celebrate our King together. Families will be reunited. Wars will cease. Quarrels will end. As we wait in hopeful anticipation of Jesus' birth, let's take time each day to celebrate this future vision, to rest in the certain assurance that one day, we will meet him face to face. Our tears will turn into shouts of joy and praise. Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Thanks be to God!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for this Advent season. Help me to focus on your coming, and to love you and serve you. When I fail - and I will - help me to come to you with a contrite spirit. Give me a heart of flesh, and take me away from sin and my shame. Help me each day to rest in your love and your forgiveness. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
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