Can These Bones Live? | Ezekiel 37

Welcome to Real Life. Nothing is impossible with God![1]

“Son of man, can these bones live?” the Lord asks Ezekiel. 

“Sovereign Lord, only you know,” the prophet answers. He’s afraid to hope. Israel had turned away from God. When they did, God removed his blessing and protection.  King Nebuchadnezzar's army marched in, overthrew Israel, and carried them away captive.

“Our bones are dried up. Our hope is gone. We are cut off,” the Children of Israel cried from their captivity in Babylon. They were removed from their homes, their villages, their lives. They believed their nation was dead. But it's not over until the Lord says it's over. 

The Spirit of the Lord transports Ezekiel from Babylon into the midst of a valley covered with dry human bones—the remains of a people long dead. It's an image of the nation of Israel. "Prophecy to those bones, Ezekiel, saying, ‘Hear the word of the Lord. You will come to life!’” 

When he does, the prophet hears a rattling. It's the bones reconnecting into skeletons. Tendons, muscles, and flesh appear. “Now, prophesy to the breath, Son of man,” the Lord commands.  

“Come, breath!” Ezekiel prophesies. The bodies come to life. A vast army fills the valley. It's an image of Israel's future—reborn and powerful. For God did restore Israel to their homeland.[2] And five hundred years later, he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to be born in Bethlehem and save the world. 

Some of us are living in a valley of dry bones. Our circumstances feel hopeless. Coronavirus has hijacked our world. Our health is failing. Our marriage is broken. Our children have left the faith. We’ve lost our job. Our bank account is empty. Our ministry has dried up. Can these bones live?

But it's not over until the Lord says it's over. Our God can breathe new life into dry bones. I am confident we will again see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.[2] Do you hear a rattling?

Revive us, O God!
Please infuse our hearts, our families, and our ministries
with a fresh anointing of your Holy Spirit.
We won’t stop praying until we hear a rattling!
For we believe we will again see your goodness, Lord.
And we’ll give you all the glory!
We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take it further...  Praise is a powerful weapon against discouragement. Our God is a Way Maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness!

[1] Luke 1:37
[2] 538 BC first captives return to Israel under Zerubbabel, 458 BC second group returns under Ezra, 432 BC last group of captive return under Nehemiah.
[3] Psalm 27:13
Bones Image - Canva