One Heart-Part 5
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Entry posted by Timl1980 in Encouragement For The Friends
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Part Five--The Road Back
📜 Research Note: Though the festival ended, the unity they experienced wasn’t tied to geography...it was tied to a decision to put Jehovah first every day. For reflection, see Insight under “Unity” and “Neutrality” and the NWT Study Bible cross-references to John 17:21 and Philippians 2:2.
“The real test of unity isn’t how we worship together...it’s how we live apart.”
The morning they left Jerusalem, the streets were quieter. Pilgrims embraced, promising to pray for one another. The air still carried the scent of incense, but the music had faded.
Eliab’s group retraced their steps northward. The fisherman from Asher walked beside him, silent for a long time before saying, “I don’t want to go back to the way things were.” Eliab nodded. “Then don’t.” The man frowned. “It’s not that simple. My neighbors will mock me. My own brother will say I’ve betrayed our people.”
Eliab thought of Hador’s words before they left. “They mocked us before we went. They’ll mock us now. But we’ve seen something they haven’t...what it’s like when Jehovah’s people are one.”
Two days into the journey, they passed a small village. A group of men eyed them suspiciously. One called out, “So, you’ve been to Judah’s king! Did he give you orders?”
The widow from Zebulun stepped forward. “No. We went to Jehovah’s house. That’s all you need to know.” Her voice was steady, her eyes unflinching.
That night, as they camped under the stars, Eliab lay awake. The Levite’s words from the road south echoed in his mind: “This isn’t about Hezekiah. It’s about Jehovah.”
He realized then that unity wasn’t a festival feeling...it was a choice, renewed every day, to put Jehovah above every other loyalty.
When they reached Manasseh, Hador was waiting at the gate. “Well? Was it worth it?” Eliab smiled. “Yes. And I’d go again tomorrow.”
For my final thought, please consider the following: Borders can divide land, but only we decide if they divide hearts.
*Phew!! That was a LOT of work, but I enjoyed writing it. I hope you enjoyed reading as well☺️
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