KEY VERSE:
“So I prophesied as I was commanded, and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.” — Ezekiel 37:7 (KJV)
INTRODUCTION:
According to history, in the days of the early pioneers in America, travelers crossing the harsh desert terrain would often come upon grim scenes: bleached, sun-scorched bones scattered across the wilderness—remnants of those who had perished before them. These bones, a stark reminder of the harshness of their environment, painted a somber picture of loss and despair. However, in the Bible, the prophet Ezekiel received a vision of dry bones that would soon come back to life, a prophetic message not just for Israel but for us as believers today. The message is clear: dry bones can live again! Even in the barren wilderness of our lives, God has the power to bring renewal, restoration, and life where all seems lost.
MESSAGE:
- The Valley of Dry Bones
In Ezekiel 37:1-2, the prophet is carried in the Spirit of God and set down in the middle of a valley full of dry bones. These bones were not just dead, they were “very dry,” a symbol of hopelessness. God then asks Ezekiel a profound question: “Son of man, can these bones live?” (v. 3). Ezekiel’s response was humble and wise: “O Lord God, thou knowest.”
In our own lives, there are times when we may face situations that appear hopeless—dry relationships, barren ministries, financial struggles, or spiritual stagnation. Yet, God asks us the same question: Can these dry bones live again? The answer is always, Yes! In God’s power, there is no situation too hopeless to be revived. - The Power of Prophecy
God then instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones, declaring that the breath of life would enter them and they would live. As Ezekiel obeys, the bones come together, sinews and flesh cover them, but there was still no breath in them. God then tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the wind, commanding it to breathe life into the bodies. The breath enters them, and they stand up as an exceedingly great army (vv. 7-10).
This is a powerful reminder: our words have the power to bring life. When we speak the Word of God over our situations, circumstances, and even over others who may be spiritually dead, we activate the breath of life that God has given us. There is resurrection power in His Word. - God’s Promise of Restoration
God promises to open the graves of His people and bring them out of their graves (Ezekiel 37:12-14). This prophecy points to the restoration of Israel, but it also speaks to us as believers. In moments of spiritual dryness, when we feel distant from God, we must remember that He has not forgotten us. His promise is that He will revive us, breathe new life into us, and restore us to our rightful place in His kingdom. - Reviving the Dry Bones Around Us
Just as Ezekiel was sent to prophesy to the dry bones, we, as believers, are called to speak life to those around us who may be spiritually dead or discouraged. There are many who feel hopeless, defeated, and distant from God. They are in the wilderness of life, surrounded by dry bones. We are the messengers, and the Word of God in our mouths has the power to bring life, restoration, and healing.
CONCLUSION:
Even when life feels like a wilderness—dry, barren, and unfruitful—God has the power to breathe life into every situation. Dry bones can live again! Let this truth be a source of hope for you today. If you feel as though your dreams, your faith, or your relationships are dry, remember: God is able to revive and restore what seems lifeless. Prophesy His Word over your circumstances, and trust that His breath will bring new life to you.
PRACTICAL REFLECTION:
- Are there areas of your life where you feel like dry bones? How can you invite God’s breath to restore those areas?
- Who around you might be in need of spiritual revival? How can you speak life into their situation today?
- Reflect on a time when God breathed new life into a hopeless situation. What did you learn from that experience?
PRAYER POINTS:
- Lord, breathe life into every dry area of my life and restore me to fullness of purpose.
- Father, help me to speak Your Word of life into the lives of those around me, especially those who are struggling in the wilderness.
- God, revive the areas in my heart that are weary and worn, and give me the strength to walk in Your resurrection power.
FURTHER STUDY:
- Ezekiel 37:1-10
- Ezekiel 37:12-14
- John 11:38-44 (The resurrection of Lazarus)
- Romans 8:11 (The Spirit that raises the dead)
- Revelation 21:1-5 (God’s promise of restoration)