Ezekiel 37:15-28  After the vision in the valley of dry bones, Ezekiel is given another Word from the Lord. He was told to take a stick and write on it the name of "Judah" and another stick on which he was to write the name of Joseph, for the tribe of Ephraim or Israel.  Then he was to join the two sticks together in his hand.  These two sticks would become one.. a sign that the two kingdoms, Judah and Israel, would become one nation.. joined together by the Lord.  "And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king will be king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations, and they will no longer be divided into two kingdoms." 

Brought out of exile and joined together, the nation would become.. forever.. the people of God.  He would deliver them from their idols and abominations, and from all their transgressions.. and He would "cleanse them."

Verses 24-28 describe the future kingdom with David ruling as their "prince forever".  The future would bring a "covenant of peace" where the Lord would set His "sanctuary in their midst forever."  There is coming a day, the Lord promised His people, when His "dwelling place" would be with them and they will know Him.. "I will be their God, and they will be My people. And the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forever." 

Father in heaven, we look ahead to that great day, when the Son returns and sets up His glorious Kingdom. We will delight to see Israel restored, cleansed, and sanctified!  We are thankful that even now, this is what You do for all who call on the Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior.. You restore us, cleanse us, and sanctify us by Your Spirit.. to the glory of Your Holy Name.  You are our only source of life and our living hope. Thank You for such mercy and kindness, poured out on us by Your grace and unfailing love. May we receive Your peace, Your joy, and Your steadfast love and may we persevere in faith and hope through the power of our Lord Jesus, in whom we live. Amen.