“O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!”—Ezekiel was asked to prophesy to a valley of dry bones!  God’s people were at a time of despair and captivity when the Lord gave the prophet two visions promising both physical revival and spiritual restoration for the nation. Are you at such a low point in life, feeling dejected, burnt-out? What promise/encouragement does our reading hold for us today as individuals/ the body of Christ?

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The valley of dry bones: It revealed to Ezekiel the dead and scattered condition of the Jewish exiles. For us today, it can represent the bleak and lifeless situation– a place of hopelessness which you consider a dead end, be it your family relationships, spiritual life, workplace or health.  Do not lose hope! Hold on to God’s promise of restoration.

 

The promise of God: God’s promises to His children are of restoration, peace and love. To a nation that had sinned and rebelled against God, God promised forgiveness and restoration. Similarly, to us who were dead in sin, in His infinite love and mercy the Father gave His beloved Son to die on our behalf, that we who believe may be forgiven and made alive in Him. (Eph. 2:4-5; Col. 1:13-14) Believe and receive His promise of forgiveness, deliverance and eternal life in Christ. When we do that first, the other promises for God’s children can be received.

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The believer’s faith in action: Faith in God is not passive but active. Ezekiel was asked to prophesy to the dry bones (Vs 7) and to write on two sticks and join them together (Vs 15); when we say we believe in God’s promises, it is attested by our participation in God’s plan. Faith in action releases God’s power into dry situations. We need to exercise our faith living holy lives, declaring God’s promises over every lifeless situation, foreseeing the promised restoration.  Abraham “…did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” (Rom.4:20,21)

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The move of the Holy Spirit: In a profound vision of restoration, a valley of scattered, dry bones come together and alive at the Word of God and the breath of the Holy Spirit. Without the breath of God, there can be no life. At creation in Genesis 2:7 we see that the breath of God, brought Adam to life. The fall in the Garden of Eden left mankind spiritually dead, but God promises life through the Holy Spirit. ‘I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life…’ (Vs 14; John 4:14)

The physical revival: The dry bones were brought to life in an orderly manner, bone joining to bone, sinew and flesh and skin and then the breath of God entered bringing revival and raising an army for God. This resuscitation reveals our need for complete dependency on God – while it is impossible for man, absolutely nothing is impossible for God! Be it an addiction/sin you are trying to break free, backsliding or strife with brethren, surrender it to the Lord and He will set you free! There is no situation in your life God can’t deliver you from!

The spiritual restoration: The promise of spiritual restoration gave hope to the exiled of the reunion of Judah and Israel. God’s covenant of peace (Vs 26) was established for us on the cross of Calvary, when Jesus gave His life for ours. For us at present there is a spiritual restoration at work –of sanctification and being conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), building us together in unity as the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:21-22) and culminating into the fulfillment of the everlasting covenant at the second coming of Christ.

No matter how great your present struggle, be of good cheer, speak life to those dead situations with God’s promises and experience His power at work transforming your life and bringing in restoration! 

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A Word of Encouragement: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. "(Romans 15:13)