Ezekiel 37:1 The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.”
4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.”’” (NKJV)
It is true that this text addresses Israel's future resurrection and the accompanied change of heart that leads them to recognize and worship their Messiah. However, the principles involved in Israel's new birth unto eternal life are the same principles that apply to our new life in Christ!
A couple of observations:
1. The bones are dry, the people they represent are long since dead!
2. If the bones can be made to live, only God knows and knows how!
3. It is the word of the Lord that is needed by these bones, if they are to live!
4. Even the ability to hear must be provided by God, if the dead are to hear!
5. Life enters the bones as God's word is spoken and He breathes life into them!
6. The same Hebrew word ruach/ר֫וּחַ is used for God's Spirit in other places!
7. When the word and breath/Spirit of God are present, the dead/dry bones live!
8. The now made alive bones "will know" that He is Lord!
Lord, thank you for sending your word and Spirit to bring life to my dead bones, that I may know you!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
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