ZECHARIAH 11:14

“Then I cut in pieces my second staff Union, to break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.”

I don’t like division in the family. When I am at odds with my sweet wife, normally over something I have done, I feel awful. I want to make things right. I want union. I want harmony. Sometimes, however, division cannot be stopped. Things happen to divide you. It’s out of your control. Then what do you do?

Judah and Israel had been drawn together because of the temple and Jerusalem. However, with the destruction of the temple and their city, the tribes were dispersed by the enemy. They were separated from each other and lost that bond. This is what Zechariah is referring to in his prophecy in verse 14. The day was coming when this would be fulfilled.

APPLICATION

How we handle conflict and division says a lot about our walk with Jesus. Are we the instigator or the cause of the division? We know that is sin and must be confessed. Is someone else the reason the division exists? How can you point them to the answer? We will never find the answer in ourselves. We have to turn to the Word.

Look at what Paul says in Ephesians 4:1-3, especially verse 3. “1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Look closely at Paul’s words there. We have to walk worthy, in humility and gentleness, with patience, bear others in love, and work hard to preserve the peace. It all starts with walking worthy. It’s not us doing this. It’s Christ in us. Our flesh only wants what it wants. But the Spirit will move us towards peace, if we submit. Just like Judah and Israel, we are going to face divisions at times that we cannot avoid. How will you respond?

I am thankful, Lord, that I am united with You and am forever joined to Christ.