THAT THESE BONES MIGHT LIVE.
Ezekiel 37:1-10.
The valley into which Ezekiel was transported “in the Spirit of the LORD” was “full” of bones (EZEKIEL 37:1). They were very many, exposed in the open valley, and very dry (EZEKIEL 37:2).
The question is: can a vast miscellaneous collection of sun-bleached, long-dead bones live? The LORD addressed the prophet as “son of Adam” (EZEKIEL 37:3) - which perhaps gave a clue to the answer. We are dealing with the God who created us: who first formed Adam from the dust of the ground, and breathed into him the spirit of life (cf. Genesis 2:7).
The answer to our prayers sometimes comes in the form of a test of obedience. “Prophesy to these bones” - what, these dead bones? Yes, preacher - and speak only the words that God has spoken: say to them, “O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD” (EZEKIEL 37:4)!
Suddenly the impossible becomes possible, but we discover it only by stages. The word of faith is, “you shall live” (EZEKIEL 37:5; EZEKIEL 37:6). Speak into the silence, and it will amaze you what God can do!
A noise, a shaking, and the bones become skeletons (EZEKIEL 37:7). Then the sinews and the flesh came upon them - the priestly prophet was seeing flaying in reverse - but there was still no breath (EZEKIEL 37:8). Like the importunate widow (cf. Luke 18:1-8) we must persevere in prayer - don’t give up at the first time of asking.
Ordinarily I expect prayer to be addressed to the Father, in the name of the Son (cf. John 14:13), and by the mediation of the Holy Spirit (cf. Romans 8:26-27). Yet - since there is just one word for wind, breath and spirit - Ezekiel is here being instructed to address the Holy Spirit (EZEKIEL 37:9).
The reference to the “four winds” (EZEKIEL 37:9) adds a sense of universalism. The exiles are to be gathered from the ends of the earth. The converts to Christianity are similarly to be gathered from all nations (cf. Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19).
Not only did the prophet persevere in prayer, but he also continued in obedience (EZEKIEL 37:7; EZEKIEL 37:10). Don’t expect the Lord’s converts to enter into life fully formed: like any newborn child, they must first go through various stages of growth, and will need continuing nurture and prayer through all the ups and downs of their individual journey. Then, and only then, is the transformation complete (EZEKIEL 37:10).
