Can These Bones Live? | Ezekiel 37

“Son of man, can these bones live?” the Lord asks Ezekiel. 


“Sovereign Lord, only you know,” the prophet answers. He’s afraid to hope. Israel had turned away from God. When they did, God removed his blessing and protection.  King Nebuchadnezzar's army marched in, overthrew Israel, and carried them away captive.

“Our bones are dried up. Our hope is gone. We are cut off,” the Children of Israel cried from their captivity in Babylon. They were removed from their homes, their villages, their lives. They believed their nation was dead. But it's not over until the Lord says it's over. 

The Spirit of the Lord transports Ezekiel from Babylon into the midst of a valley covered with dry human bones—the remains of a people long dead. It's an image of the nation of Israel. "Prophecy to those bones, Ezekiel, saying, ‘Hear the word of the Lord. You will come to life!’” 

When he does, the prophet hears a rattling. It's the bones reconnecting into skeletons. Tendons, muscles, and flesh appear. “Now, prophesy to the breath, Son of man,” the Lord commands.  

“Come, breath!” Ezekiel prophesies. The bodies come to life. A vast army fills the valley. It's an image of Israel's future—reborn and powerful. For God did restore Israel to their homeland.[2] And five hundred years later, he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to be born in Bethlehem and save the world. 

Rita, Mark and son Welcome to  Real Life . Mark and Rita fell in love, married, and had two children. Then, Mark met Beth. They ended up having an affair. Mark left his family and married Beth. Eight months later, Mark had a life-altering stroke. This is Beth and Rita’s story of grace.  Beth   I made a decision to accept Jesus as my Savior when I was a young teenager. However, I didn’t really know what that meant. I didn’t understand salvation or grace. I knew God, but kept my distance from him.  I felt like I was too far gone. I wasn’t worthy of his forgiveness. When I met Mark, I was rebounding from a long, unhealthy relationship. Ironically, what drew me to him was the way he interacted with his family. Mark was and is a patient, loving father.  I saw the special relationship he had with his children. As we began the affair, I was racked with guilt. I consoled myself with the thought that he was the one sinning, not me. He was the married one. I was single.  Beth and

Welcome to Real Life . In today's Ministry Spotlight, join my conversation with . . . Michelle Virnelson Love INC (in the Name of Christ) Cuyahoga County, Ohio Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor. Deuteronomy 15:10-11 NLT Michelle, tell us about your position at Love in the Name of Christ. I’m the Clearing House Coordinator as we partner with local churches to help people in crisis. Every person who calls Love INC for help eventually goes through me. We take their information and then I match them with resources to meet their need. 2019 Update:  Michelle is now Executive Director of Love INC Cuyahoga County. How do people in crisis find Love INC? They are often referred to us by their church, or an agency like United Way or Catholic Charities, and sometimes word of mouth. Te

Welcome to Real Life. Do you need courage today? Grace Church women feigning anxiety during a tornado alert. On the morning I began to read the book of Joshua , I woke up feeling anxious. I have suffered through a few bouts of anxiety/depression in my adult life. Lately, I’m battling it again. In the words of Dr. Timothy Keller, “I’m addicted to a high level of productivity.” I pile on projects and responsibilities until I overload. Then, I feel overwhelmed, anxious, can't sleep, etc. I've learned to view these symptoms as God’s check in my spirit: It’s time to back off and chill out, Peg. As I read God’s encouragement to Joshua, I knew his words were for me as well: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). Joshua was justifiably anxious. Moses, the awesome prophet—who stood up to Pharaoh, called plagues down on Egypt, and led Israel out o