Ezekiel 37:1-38:23; James 1:19-2:17; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 28:1
Ezekiel 37:1-10 is so interesting. On a sheer
literal level, what an event! A valley full - full! - of bones, dry as
only old bones left to themselves can be. Abandoned, unloved, unburied.
A terrifying moment of noise as the bones rattle together, a
fear-inducing rejoining of skeletons, then the covering with tendons and
muscles and skin. A great host of lifeless bodies, standing inert until
life enters them with breath, and they live.
I mean, wow. Really. WOW. This is more
suited to a Halloween Haunted House or a Dia de los Muertos celebration!
A few comments on the literal level:
* For a good Jew, like Ezekiel, this scene would have
been revolting. Unburied bodies contaminated those nearby, causing
ceremonial uncleanness (see Num. 19:11, for example). A valley full of
them would distress an observant Jew.
* Notice the emphasis on very dry bones. These
are ancient bones, picked clean by scavengers and left to bleach in the sun.
* The amount of bones is significant: it's not one or two
skeletons, nor can we be sure the bones are even in skeleton-like heaps.
It's a scene of destruction and death and loss. These are "the
slain" (Ez. 37:9).
But then look at this on the spiritual level.
God asks Ezekiel if these bones can live. Then, through
his prophet, God acts to restore, to renew. He makes a promise and then
fulfills it. God takes the dead and broken and brings new life and
wholeness. Despair and destruction make way for hope and a future.
Nothing is beyond our God.
A few comments on the spiritual level, and some
application for our own lives:
* Ezekiel's faith - "you alone know" (Ez. 37:3).
I can hear my answer to that question, a resounding "no."
I've taken high school biology. I know the stats on physical life
after death. But Ezekiel acknowledges that another option is possible
with God. I want to live my life in a manner that indicates the same
trust and even hope. "You alone know," Lord, whether my
marriage is salvageable. "You alone know," Lord, whether these
medical treatments will heal me. "You alone know," Lord,
whether my loved one will turn toward you in repentance.
* Ezekiel acts as the Lord commands (vs. 7, 10).
His simple declaration of trust leads him to act in faith, and the result
of his obedience is dramatic. What an event he gets to be a part of
because he obeys! Even when confronted with a seemingly impossible
situation, Ezekiel prophesies - and the Lord answers. This, too, is an
encouragement to me: God is capable of healing the fractured relationships in
my life; God is eager to deliver me from the habitual sin that keeps me from
Christ-likeness; God is able. No matter how desperate the situation, it
can be redeemed. God can redeem. But my obedience comes first.
* True life is the ultimate goal. It's not enough
to have a body without life, without vitality. This "vast army"
(vs. 10) is only truly animated by the breath of God. I, too, am only
really alive when filled with the activity and presence of the Holy Spirit.
We all know men and women who live a deadened life, joyless and
monotonous. That is "life," but yet is not. God offers so
much more. "I will settle my Spirit in you and you will live"
(vs. 14). Hallelujah!
"Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him all you
peoples. For great is his love toward us and the faithfulness of the Lord
endures forever" (Ps. 117:1-2, emphasis mine). Amen and
amen.
- Sarah Marsh
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