One in God’s hand
by Jodie Hoff
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Then they shall be my people, and I will be their God (Ezekiel 37:23b).
Read Ezekiel 37:15–28
In Ezekiel’s vision, God asks the prophet to take two sticks, each marked with the name of a divided people, and join them together in his hand. It is such a simple, visible action. Still, it carries a deep promise: what has been split apart will not remain divided forever.
The people of Israel knew what separation felt like. Their story held exile, loss, disappointment and fractured trust. Yet God speaks into that brokenness with words of gathering, cleansing and peace. God does not ignore the reality of division, but he also does not leave it as the final word.
There is hope here for us, too. We know how easily communities can be stretched or divided by misunderstanding, hurt, pressure, fear or simply the busyness that pulls people apart. Sometimes the distance is visible; sometimes it sits quietly beneath the surface. Ezekiel reminds us that God keeps drawing people back together, not by pretending the wounds are small, but by holding us in hands strong enough to heal.
The promise, ‘They shall be my people, and I will be their God’, is not just about belonging as individuals. It is about belonging together. We are gathered into relationship with God and with one another. In that belonging, we are invited to practise reconciliation, patience, humility and peace.
Today, may we notice where unity needs tending, in a conversation, a team, a family, a community. And may we trust that God is still gathering, still healing and still holding us together in love.
God of peace, gather us again where we are scattered and heal what is divided in us and among us. Hold us in your love and help us to live as your people with patience, courage and grace. Amen.
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in Lutheran schools, Jodie Hoff brings a deep commitment to Lutheran education and the people and communities it serves. Having lived and worked in both Queensland and South Australia, she now serves as the executive director of Lutheran Education Australia. Jodie is passionate about building relationships, fostering connection and creating opportunities for people and communities to flourish. Beyond her work, she enjoys photography and the arts.
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