“…behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off on our part.'” Ezekiel 37:11
The Apostle Paul, in writing to the believers in the church of Ephesus, spoke directly to the “Gentiles” of that church, specifically declaring to them that formerly they were, “…strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in this world.” (2:12) The condition of the children of Israel, whom the Lord was addressing through the prophet Ezekiel, was very similar to Paul’s words to the lost, unbelieving gentiles before they were saved. They were without “hope.” What does that mean? It means that there is NO resource, NO help, NO influence or power which could come to the aid of the hopeless. The word specifically applies to the help of man, or some idea or persuasion that something of this creation, can save. From a Biblical standpoint, from the standpoint of being born in sin, Scripture tells us, as God spoke to the Ephesian believers, they were not only without hope to be delivered from their sin, the consequence being physical and spiritual death, but they were also, “…without God in this world.” It is concerning this last statement that great attention must be given. If one does not believe in God, then God will not be sought. In that case, the only “Hope,” outside of man’s total incapacity, spiritually speaking, to save, deliver, guide, or provide for himself, will be neglected, and not received. It is at this point of apparent hopelessness, as was the case of Israel when she saw that she was dry, lifeless…dead, and that she was cut off from all goodness, and help, that God would take the initiative through the prophet Ezekiel to reveal to Israel HIS way of meeting her need, of bringing her back from death, and the grave, to make her live, become victorious again, giving glory to God. Then, she would know that He IS God, and that He alone can, and will save. Marvelously, He saves those who are helpless, and hopeless. No man can or will do this, for only God has the capacity, the power and authority, to do so, and the desire, and will in His mercy and grace, to accomplish it. What then is the method of God that is revealed to and through Ezekiel by which God revives, or makes to live again?
The first thing God does is to make sure that the vision is clear, not only in the Prophet’s eyes, but also, in the eyes of the people. They must be honest with themselves. So, God asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” Having seen the vast number of dry, dead bones, indeed, a valley full of them, the prophet’s only reply is: “O Lord God, Thou knowest.” (37:3) Why did Ezekiel say this? Simply because he was overwhelmed by the apparent hopelessness of the sight, and need. It was a sight which evoked a deep, profound inertness. Ezekiel says the only thing that he truly can say: “…O Lord God, Thou knowest,” for God alone is the answer to the question.
The second thing we see is the revelation of His WAY in dealing with death and desolation. It is by prophesying, or preaching, declaring or commanding the will of God concerning a specific need. In this case, God commands his faithful servant, Ezekiel, to “…Prophesy upon these bones, and SAY unto them, ‘O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.'” (v.4) This is God’s way of meeting the desperate need of man, His word being spoken in the power of the Spirit, according to His will, whether it is possible or not for man to understand or accomplish. He goes on to declare through Ezekiel exactly what He will do. Though sinews and flesh come upon these dry bones, there is still no life in them. God’s method remains the same. He, through Ezekiel, speaks to the wind, the very breath of life. The result was that they lived, standing as an army upon their feet.
Father, Speak life into us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.