Them Bones Ezekiel 37:1-14
Story of meeting Ezekiel in Heaven
Context: Ezekiel was a prophet to the people of Israel in exile. Their idol worship, forgetting God, not listening to the prophets (and killing them) had brought judgement to them. Not unlike us in this time: - we have God’s Word, churches, preachers, Holy Spirit and we still do not listen sometimes. But God had not forgotten his people. First part of Ezekiel is judgement; last part is restoration.
So, we get to chapter 37: “The valley of dry bones.”
This chapter is the stuff of modern-day Sci-Fi – bones coming together, flesh formed and coming alive. A whole army of the dead (or not-so-dead).
So, what is it all about, and can any of it be applicable to us now?
Verses 1-2 Ezekiel Was in the Spirit
Valley full of bones. Not a small graveyard, a vast area – lots of bones, very dry bones. To get bones, you must have had life, flesh, etc. No life, no bones. These bones once had life.
Verse 3 The Question – “Can these bones live????” Ezekiel’s answer: “O Lord God, you know.” Illustration: - husband-wife – the dishes. I believe Ezekiel thought God was able, but was he willing??? They had been very naughty.
Verses 4-6 The Prophecy Over the Bones - Breath of life, sinews, flesh, skin.
Verse 7 “So I Prophesied.” The man of God was obedient to the Lord. Then a mighty work was done. So I:- prayed, read God’s word, spoke God’s truth, forgave: - as I was commanded. Look at the results – a rattling of the bones; quite the noise; bone to bone. Sinew, flesh, skin – God has an order. But no life.
An exceeding great army. Not
· Casual observers
· Pew warmers
· No backbone Christians
It was an army.
Verses 11-13 The Explanation
“The whole house of Israel”
- Second half of chapter 37 – “the sticks”
- They had lost hope – cut off!! (By the rivers of Babylon) No relationship with God.
When things are hopeless – never underestimate God.
Here is the Hope (the prophecy)
· Verses 12-14
· Verses 21-23
· Verses 26-28
The now – Ezekiel was talking to his countrymen.
They did leave Babylon
Future - One nation
- Brought in from other nations
- Peace – no more being conquered
- A sanctuary forever
We see this happening now.
God has a plan for his people – Israel. Prophecies to be fulfilled. He will breathe new life – a great turning toward the Messiah – Jesus Christ.
Application: - What can we learn and apply to our lives today from the chapter, this vision?
· Our Lord is in the resurrection business.
· We see not only with Ezekiel, but with Jesus – He brought people back to life.
· He showed us He was not only able, but willing to forgive and restore. (2 Peter 3:9 – Not willing that any should perish)
· Not only physically, but relationally
Dead into life. John 5:24
The people listening to Jesus were alive physically, but dead spiritually.
We know or hold the Knowledge of Life (eternal).
To the non-Christian We have all, at one stage, been “dead.” Ephesians 2:1-5 makes it clear. Do not put it off – the risk is too great.
To the believer Do you, or have you ever, felt hopeless? Like God has ‘cut you off?’ You feel like those dry bones – No life? Draw closer to Him. (He has not moved or changed) Ask His help – he is ABLE and WILLING. He can put the meat back on your bones.
- He is a God of Hope
- He is a God of New Beginnings
- He is able
- He is willing
Let’s pray