Ezekiel prophesied that the separated nations of Israel and Judah would become one, and that a descendant of David would be the one Shepherd for them all (Ez 37:24). Throughout the Old Testament, which chronicled an ever-increasing disunity, there were nevertheless occasional prophecies of unity and prayers for unity. For example, the psalmist prayed: "Behold, how good it is, and how pleasant, where brethren dwell at one!" (Ps 133:1) Nonetheless, such aspirations for unity seemed unrealistic in a hopelessly divided and dividing world. Jesus also prayed for unity (see Jn 17:21), and His plan of salvation is to bring all things into one under His lordship (Eph 1:10). He is the Fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies on unity. Jesus not only prayed for and planned unity; He did it. As Caiaphas prophesied, Jesus died for the Jewish nation and for all nations to "gather into one all the dispersed children of God" (Jn 11:51-52). Unity is the most expensive thing ever purchased. It cost the sacrificial death of the God-Man, Jesus. Therefore, accept, cherish, and preserve (Eph 4:3) this most precious gift of unity. May unity characterize every marriage, family, church, and ministry of our lives. |