Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 37:1-14 (day six)
“He asked me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ I said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, you alone know.’ ” (v 3) Is there life after death? “Yes” is the unwavering answer of the Christian faith. Dead people, dead marriages, dead churches can be resurrected by the Spirit of God. Ezekiel is less certain. He knows God CAN. He is somewhat reluctant to declare that God WILL. Those of us who live on this side of the empty tomb are more confident. “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. . .(after Him) those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end. . .(and) the last enemy to be abolished is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23-24) Christian, are you confident in the reality of life after death? Does this confidence change the way you live and make decisions and face challenges? He is Risen! Do you believe we all will be?
Dead is Dead
Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 37:1-14 (day five)
We see 2 pictures of spiritual death in Ezekiel’s vision. One is visually and physically evident. It’s crystal clear. The dry bones are a visual picture of an extended period of rebellion, hopelessness, and utter ruin. The need and the problem are obvious.
The second picture is a little more complicated if just merely observing. Bones rejoined, muscles, tendons, and flesh back in place. Recognizable form is now added to the bodies and corpses. Things are taking shape and progress is being made. Wonder if there was excitement and joy at this point? Wonder if a celebration was about to ensue? To interrupt a premature conclusion, God makes Ezekiel aware of their condition. Still, they are corpses. Still, they are without life. Still, they are… dead. God commands Ezekiel to prophesy breath (Spirit) to fill these bodies. Once filled from within with the Spirit (breath) they are made alive and ready to be used by God (an army). Sound familiar? (John 3:3-5)
Hope for the Impossible
Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 37:1-14 (day four) Ezekiel had a vision…God caused him to see all over the valley. There were bones everywhere. Verse 2 says “they were very dry”. God wanted Ezekiel to that there was no hope for the resurrection of these people…at least, in his power. It was inconceivable to Ezekiel that there was any hope for life, but he knew that he was dealing with the Creator of the Universe. In verse 3, God said to Ezekiel, “Son of man, can these bones live?” and Ezekiel wisely answered, “O Lord God, You know.” Only the omnipotence of God could restore life to these very dry bones. There are times and events in our lives when it looks absolutely impossible. We cannot see any way out of our despair or predicament…the world seems too strong for us to survive, much less overcome. Read Matthew 19:26. We can have hope just like Ezekiel prophesied for Israel.
Over
Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 37:1-14 (day three)
“I have done it, declares the Lord.” We assume the finality of things. We think we have no choice. We believe that the best days are behind us. We tell ourselves a story of defeat based on our own limited understanding. But it’s not over until the Lord says it’s over. Even when you yourself have brought about your painful circumstances, you can find your way to the future. You’ll have to take your cues from the Lord’s wisdom, but you can do it. The road ahead will be hard, and the losses painful, but your life is not over, nor are the days to come destined to condemn you to the “second best”. The Lord is not called our Redeemer for nothing.
Now Hear the Word of the Lord!
Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 37:1-14 (day two)
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stoop up on their feet. Ezekiel 37:10
Is there a better description of salvation than this passage? The imagery throughout is vivid and tangible. Everyone of us has seen a skeleton and we all recognize that it is about as far from life as you can be. How different is that from our own lives before God breathes into us His Spirit? We are wasting away with no true life in us. All of us are a shell waiting to be filled, and canvas with no paint. Then a miracle happens, God by his own design and mercy breathes life into us, and we can then stand and have substance where there was none before. Aren’t you thankful for Ezekiel obedience to prophesy to skeletons? As you look out into the world consider how very similar it is to that valley of bones. But there is a breath of life waiting to give us all flesh.
Dry bones
Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 37:1-14 (day one)
It is a terrible scene, month (years?) after a bloody battle with so many casualties that no one even bothered to bury the dead. Dry bones are everywhere. In a vision, Ezekiel is transported to see it. An unexpected question is posed by God. “Son of man, can these bones live?” (v 3) “Only you know the answer to that question,” the prophet says to “the God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9). Three lessons are taught from this strange moment. The valley of dry bones symbolizes the resurrection at the end of time. Read John 11:24. The valley of dry bones symbolizes the resurrection of the nation of Israel. The valley of dry bones symbolizes the new life of believer who has been reborn–from death to life by the Spirit of God through the medium of the preached word. Can people and nations live again after a terrible defeat and years of spiritual deadness? Yes! Hallelujah!
History here
Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 20:1-32 (day seven)
“Will you judge them, son of Man? Then confront them with the detestable practices of their fathers.” (v 4) It is confusing. In Ezekiel 18 we learned that personal responsibility is what matters. The choices of our fathers do not determine who we are with God. In Ezekiel 20 the Lord speaks of the “detestable practices of the fathers” as if these past mistakes have current relevance. Which is it? Both, actually! History exercises a significant influence on our lives. Unless/until we choose to change/break those patterns (and this by the grace of God) we are destined to repeat and perpetuate past patterns. Without repentance, examples and experiences from the past will control the present. “Will you defile yourselves after the manner of your fathers. . .(and then expect that) I will be inquired of by you?” (v 30-31) It is not the past that breaks my relationship with God. It is the present pattern of continued sin.
Inner Honesty
Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 20:1-32 (day seven)
“As surely as I live, I will not let you inquire of me.” (v 3) When the elders of Judah got a “no comment” from the Lord, it must have been a shock. Isn’t God required to listen to us when we are ready to talk? No. Not unless we meet the condition of inner honesty. Not unless we stop living in denial, unwilling to face the long issues negatively impacting our relationship with Him. For years the Lord had warned His people about the effects of idolatry (v 7), disobedience (v 13), and disregard for the Sabbath (v 20). Had they been willing to honestly look at these sinful patterns, the heart of the Lord would have opened to them in mercy. Failing this, only silence. “Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, in the hidden part You will MAKE me know wisdom”–Psalm 51:6. We do not have to be perfect. We do have to be honest.
Remember??
Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 20:1-32 (day five)
The “older I get, the better I was”- words of a wise friend spoken to me many years ago. I often use them in humor reflecting on my years as a basketball player. But the truth of those words is profound. Interesting the effects of the human heart on our memory. Often the moments of sin or disobedience will be remembered as “less severe”, while the moments of faithfulness or obedience will be remembered as more glorious (our own glory) than they actually were. Seems Israel had this same problem. So, Ezekiel gives a brutally honest and accurate recounting of Israel’s history in chapter 20. So what’s the cure for our “selected memory”? May I suggest 2? Humility (James 4) and a Contrite Heart (Psalm 51)
Mercy
Re: Verse reading–Ezekiel 20:1-32 (day four)
“But who is keeping count?” God is! In this passage, God rehearses for Israel their rebellious history…a history that should have brought about their destruction. Verses 9, 14, and 22 tell us of God’s mercy…”But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations.” God preserved Israel, not because they deserved it, but to protect His name. God is jealous for his reputation and as His children, we should not do anything that would give cause for the world to profane His name. Aren’t we just like Israel? We continually fail to be obedient to God and don’t deserve His mercy. When we yield control of our lives to Him, He has promised to forgive and save our lives. It is not merit, it is His mercy and trustworthiness to keep His Word. What a great God we serve!