Unity in the Hand of God

Ezekiel 37:19 (KJV) declares, "Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand." This poignant verse speaks profoundly to the themes of unity, identity, and purpose in the life of God’s chosen people.

To fully grasp the significance of this scripture, we must delve into the context surrounding it. Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, was tasked with bringing messages of hope and restoration to a fractured and desolate people. The division between the northern kingdom (Israel, represented by Ephraim) and the southern kingdom (Judah) had led to a painful rupture in the community of God’s people. The imagery of two sticks representing these kingdoms is powerful; it symbolizes not only division but also the potential for reconciliation and restored relationship through divine intervention.

When God speaks through Ezekiel, He is making a dramatic proclamation. This operative phrase "I will take the stick of Joseph...and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah" highlights God’s sovereignty and His desire for unity. God is not simply acknowledging the existence of division; He is actively working to unify His people. This verse serves as both a challenge and a promise: a challenge to the people of Israel to relinquish their grievances, division, and strife, and a promise that God Himself will restore them. Time after time throughout scripture, we see a God deeply committed to reconciliation.

But what does it mean to be one stick in the hand of God? This imagery evokes the idea of God as the master craftsman, molding and bringing together what was once splintered. To imagine ourselves as sticks in His hand is to recognize our identity as part of something greater than ourselves. We are called not to individualism but to community, not to isolation but to communion. When God unites us, we are to function together, utilizing our diverse gifts and backgrounds in harmony for His glory. A stick serves a greater purpose when it becomes part of a larger project—a tool for building, defending, or creating something beautiful.

As we meditate on this verse, we reflect on how often we may feel like divided sticks in our own lives. Perhaps we have experienced breakdowns in our relationships, not just personally but collectively in our communities and churches. How often do we allow differences—be they cultural, doctrinal, or personal—to create artificial barriers between us? Yet, God—through the sacrifice of Christ—offers a pathway towards unity. Ephesians 2:14 reminds us, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." He invites us into a journey that transcends our divisions; a journey where our identities as individuals are enriched when we embrace our identity as part of the Body of Christ.

Today, let us ask ourselves: How can we become vessels of unity within our spheres of influence? Are we willing to let go of our differences, biases, and even our pride? God desires to take our sticks, regardless of our history or perspective, and join them together to make something new, whole, and powerful in His hands. As believers, we have a sacred calling to reflect His love by you[ing] our uniqueness to enhance rather than detract from the community God is building.

In closing, let us approach the throne of grace, seeking to become one in the hand of our God. Let us pray for a spirit of unity that transcends all barriers, that we may be instruments for His purpose, and as we do so, may we witness the transformative power of God assembling His people into a mighty force of nature, reflecting His glory in the world.

Artwork for Ezekiel 37:19

Ezekiel 37:19 - "Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand."

"Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand." - Ezekiel 37:19

Ezekiel 37

Ezekiel 37:7

Ezekiel 37:1-10 – The valley of dry bones.

ezekiel 37 dry bones

Ezekiel 37 1-7

Ezekiel 37:1-10 – The vision of the valley of dry bones.

Ezekiel 37:1-10 – The vision of the valley of dry bones.

Genesis 19-37

Joshua 19:37 - "And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor,"

Ezekiel 37:15 - "¶ The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 37:20 - "¶ And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes."

Genesis 37:19 - "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."

Ezekiel 37:27 - "My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Ezekiel 37:17 - "And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand."

Ezekiel 20:37 - "And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:"

Psalms 37:19 - "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."

Full picture of dry bones Ezekiel 37:1-14

John 19:37 - "And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced."

"And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor," - Joshua 19:37

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

Ezekiel 28:11-19

in the context of Ezekiel 37, draw a valley full of dry human bones

in accordance with Ezekiel 37, draw a picture of a valley that is full of dry bones for an far as you can see. Standing in the valley is the prophet Ezekiel standing in wonder.

Genesis 19:37 - "And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day."