Dry Bones and New Life

“Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life’ ” (Ezekiel 37:4-5, NIV).

Ezekiel Chapter 37 is an interesting passage of Scripture. It’s the story of the prophet Ezekiel’s vision of a valley of dry bones. Why are these bones described as dry? It’s because these bones have long been left for dead. In fact, they are about as dead as dead can get. There is not even the hint of life within them.

While Ezekiel’s vision is likely representative of Israel’s exile to Babylon, it is symbolic of a deeper truth – that God can bring life out of death. Think about it. God formed the first man, Adam, from the dust of the ground. Yet, Adam was lifeless until God breathed into his still body. Adam’s first breath of life was the breath of God.

So, too, Jesus lay in a borrowed tomb. Make no mistake about it. Jesus was dead. He had been crucified just days before on a cross at Calvary. Yet, God breathed life into Jesus’ lifeless body, and the Resurrection of Jesus became God’s ultimate demonstration of life being torn from the grip of death. Yes, God breathes life into that which is dead.

Consider the “dry bones” in your life. Maybe they’re the bones of the “skeleton in your closet”, that deep, dark secret of your past. Or perhaps, the “dry bones” are broken relationships with old friends or family members, and, no matter how hard you might try, life seems to be unrestorable. Just maybe, the “dry bones” are most descriptive of your finances, your addiction, or even your devotion to God.

Don’t be afraid as you stand in the valley looking at the many “dry bones” in your life. God can and will bring life out of death. Restoration is just a breath away. Speak to the “dry bones”. Share with them the Word of God. And, watch them rise again.