THE END OF ONE SOURCE, THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER. When the brook dried up the Lord opened another unlikely source. I Ki. 17:7 The Lord works in a way contrary to our expectation to show His ability to meet the demand. The WORD of the LORD came to Him. There is no better way to know the will of the Lord than the Word of the Lord. Elijah is sent to Zarephath {refinement, from a root meaning to melt, make pure or purge}. 1 Ki. 17:9 The Lord knows what actions are necessary for our refinement and cleansing. Usually it is in the fiery trial. 1 Pet. 4:12 The Lord appointed a widow woman to care for Elijah. 1 Ki. 17:9 He requested bread and water. v. 10–11 and discovered her lack of provisions. v.12 She had but two sticks with which to make a fire and cook their meal.
TWO STICKS. Upon two sticks, Ezekiel wrote the names of Judah and his associates who were Israelites on one stick. The other was named after Joseph and Ephriam and the Israelites associated with them. Eze. 37:16 These two in the hand of Ezekiel were to be joined together and become one in his hand. v.17 This is a prophecy of a work that the Lord will perform in the last days. Both nations are to be gathered together to become one nation. More importantly, they are to have ONE KING over them. v. 21–22 They will be a people of holiness for the Lord will cleanse them. They will then be called the people of the Lord. v. 23 David {JESUS} will be their king. ONE SHEPHERD. Eze. 37:24 JESUS is the GOOD SHEPHERD. John 10:11 ONE fold and ONE SHEPHERD. John 10:16 JESUS IS THE GREAT SHEPHERD Heb. 13:20 JESUS IS THE SHEPHERD AND BISHOP of our souls. 1 Pet. 2:25JESUS IS THE CHIEF SHEPHERD who shall soon appear. 1 Pet. 5:4 The Lord will covenant with them, an everlasting covenant, a covenant of peace. The sure mercies of David. Isa. 55:3 The sanctuary of the Lord to be among them. God will indeed be their God and they shall be His people. Jehovah, will sanctify Israel. Eze. 37:26, 27, 28 The covenant that is built on those elements that are better. A better covenant with better promises. Heb. 8:6 The true covenant, the only sure covenant is that which is sealed by the blood of atonement. The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 10:29 The prophecy given by Ezekiel is declaring the great last day revival that will bring to Christ all who will accept Him. All must come the same way. Jesus said; I am the way. All must enter in through one door. Jesus said; I am the door. There is only one covenant that the Lord will acknowledge today and that is the New Covenant of which Christ is the only mediator. When Jesus came the first time their anticipation was that He would establish a kingdom for Israel and that they would rule. Unfortunately, many in our day are expecting a natural, worldly kingdom for the end time. It will be a Spiritual, everlasting kingdom. Not a political kingdom.