Tensions mount in the region of Palestine. The Word of God, however, is the -believers sure Foundation. From that time on, Israel, meaning the northern king dom, had her kings; whereas Judah also had hers. But in that day when Jesus comes again to be the King of kings, He will rule over a kingdom united forever. And that is the message of “ the sign of the two sticks.” We quote only selected portions of this long passage here: the nations shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.”
Earlier in this study we called attention to God’s oft-repeated “ I will.” Let me remind you once more to go back and count the times His reassurance to His people occurs in these two chapters of Ezekiel’s proph ecy alone. And let me remind you also that, when God promises to do a thing, it is as good as accomplished. What a contrast between His infallible Word and the vacillating, uncertain promises of men and govern ments and nations. “ The sure word of prophecy” will be fulfilled to the very letter! Moreover, world conditions today, the marked “ signs of the times,” seem to point to the soon coming of the “ Sun of righteousness” who shall “ arise with heal ing in his wings” (Mai. 4 :2 ). How our hearts yearn for that day—for distraught and suffering Israel, as well as for the bleeding nations of the world! Before that day comes, poor Israel must yet go through the very darkest hour of her sad history. And surely we who love Him shall not forget to pray for His ancient people Israel, that many of them will be born again in this day of grace, before the church is trans lated to be with Him. Thank God! There will be many sons of Abraham in the church, which is the “bride of Christ,” to rule with Him in glory! Shall we not pray that many more may be added to this number in these trying days, when “men’s hearts are failing them for fear” ? May the Lord make us missionary intercessors for His ancient people—and for all those who sit in darkness.
“ The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: and join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God . . . Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations (R.V.), whither they be gone, and will, gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: and I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all.” It is a wonderful picture! Read on in the verses which follow, telling of their “ one shepherd” in that day; of their cleansed hearts; of God’s “ covenant of peace” with them. And note the closing words of the Lord, in this remarkable chapter: “ My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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