Ezekiel 37:15-28

“And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. And one king shall be king over them all, and they shall be no longer two nations, and no longer divided into two kingdoms.” (Ezekiel 37:22, ESV)

When I was fresh out of high school and a DJ at a local radio station, there was a popular song called “Reunited” by Peaches and Herb. (Yes, those really were their names.) There is something special about reunions, whether it is a husband and wife, a musical group, or a nation. When people set aside their petty differences to come together for the common good, it makes us happy.

For about two hundred years, Israel was divided into the northern and southern kingdoms. Then the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC and were scattered to other nations. When the southern kingdom returned from Babylonian captivity in 536 BC, the people were mostly from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. But what happened to the other ten tribes? And would they ever be permitted to return to their homeland?

Ezekiel prophesied that in the future both Judah and Israel will be reunited. They will have one king over them all. In this chapter, Ezekiel identifies the ruler as David, although some commentators interpret this as being Christ who will reign as the Son of David. Either way, there will be great unity where previously there had only been division.

Often we deal with divisions. Divisions in families can tear them apart. Divisions in churches can split them, leaving many wounded people in the wake and shipwrecking the faith of some. We struggle to make peace where there is none. The Bible tells us:

“Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14, NKJV)

“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NLT)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, NKJV)

But sometimes we realize that only Christ can bring peace.

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation…” (Ephesians 2:14, NKJV)

In the end, if we would enjoy real peace and reconciliation, then we must each choose to forgive from the heart, to submit to one King, and to be led by one Shepherd.