The Anatomy of a Disciple
Pastor Jeff Williams
07-20-03
In graduate school, I escaped the most feared class in the psychology department, “A and P.” This class frightened even the most serious student. “Anatomy and Physiology” was no “head-bone connected to the neck-bone” class. Students were responsible for memorizing all the bones in the body, the physiology of brain functioning, and neuropsychological principles. Many students struggled to make sense of our amazing bodies and some of my friends liked the class so much they got to take twice!
In understanding how our anatomy works, we understand ourselves better. This morning let’s look at the anatomy of a disciple. What does a disciple look like? How do they react to the world?
If it is true that Jesus called us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), then we should be focused and intentional about how we do that. Pontiac Bible Church’s desire in that we make an IMPACT for Christ. By Instructing in God’s Word, Mobilizing for Ministry, Praying with Faith, Adoring God in worship, Caring for others, and Telling others the Gospel, PBC seeks to deepen your walk with Christ. In short, we want to help you become a disciple of Jesus.
What is a disciple? The word disciple in Greek means a “pupil of a teacher.” In a way, every one of us is a disciple. We are all students of someone and if we desire to be leaders, we must always be learning. But a disciple is someone who not only accepts the view of that teacher, but puts it into practice. They not only agree with them, but they submit to their ideas and surrender to their vision. The pupil becomes like the teacher.
Jesus said:
“A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40, NIV)
This training can have disastrous consequences. Thousands of young German men became disciples of a maniac leader named Adolph Hitler and nearly destroyed the world. Followers of Jim Jones and David Koresh willing gave up their lives for their lunatic leaders.
But, this process can also have amazing results! Twelve young men, some of them teenagers, followed a young, unmarried, homeless, Galilean rabbi and turned the world upside down. Two thousand years later, the discipling process is still in action and the world continues to gawk in wonder as Jesus transforms life after life, as many of you can attest to.
May I ask you a personal question? Are you are a disciple of Jesus Christ? Have you surrendered your will for His will, have you submitted totally to His Master Plan? Do you want to grow spiritually and become more like Jesus?
I have asked a good friend of mine, “Bones” to help us this morning.
[“Bones” is a full size rubber skeleton that was standing next to me on the stage]
Let’s look at how this fleshes out. Sorry Bones. Two books by Calvin Miller, “Into the Depths of God” and “The Unchained Soul” sparked my thinking for this sermon.
In digging deeper into the mystery of discipleship, we will be looking at one of the most eccentric and fascinating figures in all of Scripture, John the Baptist.
The HEAD of a disciple: HUMILITY.
Back in the 1970s there was a very popular song by Mac Davis that went something like this,
“Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble/when you are perfect in every way/I just can’t wait to look in the mirror/I get better looking each day/to know me is to love/I must be a wonderful man/Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble/but I’m doing the best that I can.”
Some of us remember that song. For some of us it was our theme song!
Barnard of Clairviox said that there are four Christian virtues: humility, humility, humility, and humility.
Humility means mildness, gentleness, or meekness. The disciple of Christ does not have a big head. They are not full of themselves; they do not look down on people. Disciples instinctively think of others before themselves.
[Bone’s bumper says it all – “Just love everyone!”]
Solomon wrote:
“The stuck up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm” (Proverbs 11:2, The Message)
Paul put it this way:
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” (Romans 12:3-4, NIV).
It has been said that pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick except the person that has it. Humility is the opposite of pride, and God hates pride.
Proverbs 29:23 says: “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.”
This is the opposite of what we are taught everyday. The world says to look out for “number one.” The world says that some times it is alright to mistreat people to get want you want.
Jesus, seeing our propensity to seek our own agenda, said:
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11)
I learned this lesson the hard way. When I was in tenth grade, I found it “hard to humble.” I liked a senior named Kim. Because I could not drive yet, I really did not have a chance. But I devised a plan to win her over. We were both on the newspaper staff and each day as I walked into class I would stop and write love notes on the board from her to me. “Kim loves Jeff” covered the board every class. The teacher got a big kick out of this game and allowed me to do it. Kim would huff when she saw it and immediately go to the board and erase my romantic masterpieces. One day she walked into class and said nothing about my art work and she left it on the board. In the very middle of class, she interrupted the teacher and asked if she could share something. She said, “All this time I have never really given Jeff a chance. I wanted to tell the class that I have decided to go out with Jeff.” I felt my stomach flip and started babbling to myself. “Friday night would be fine. You can pick me up at seven.” She said sweetly. I was feeling pretty good about myself by this point. She then added, “I really do not know what to wear. Jeff, are going to pick me up on your blue or red tricycle?” The class roared and I wanted to go hide. She smiled smugly and I did not write any more on the board. Lesson learned.
Barnard of Clairvaux said, “We are not likely to gain humility without humiliation.” In fact, for some of us, the greatest times of Christian growth have come through God humbling us.
Again, Solomon, the wisest man ever to live, wrote:
“Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12, NIV).
In a world that values superstars and celebrities, are we content to be nameless servants?
James encourages us to stand out for Christ:
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, in deeds done in humility that come from wisdom.” (James 3:13, NIV)
You want to stand out for Christ at your school, in your neighborhood, in your home? Start considering other’s needs before your own. Children, stop fighting about shotgun, (for those of you without small children shotgun means sitting in the front seat) with your brother and quietly get in the backseat. Your parents will need CPR! Adults, instead of pushing and shoving to the front of the line at the bank or the grocery store, intentionally stand in the back of the line, quietly and patiently. Instead of insisting that you are right, consider the other person’s side and the fact you may be wrong. Serve one another. Love one another. No, scratch that. Let’s make it our goal to OUT-SERVE and OUT-LOVE the world around you!
Paul told the Philippians:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV)
When I was seminary, Maxine and I attended a large church pastored by Dr. Frank Pollard. Dr. Pollard was known for his humble spirit and his unswerving grace and faithfulness. We were told a story about Dr. Pollard that I will never forget. He was about to speak at a men’s business breakfast when one of the leaders approached him and whispered something in his ear. He asked a few questions and sat back down, finished his breakfast, and shared the Gospel with this crowd. Afterwards, he quietly excused himself. The president of the organization rose to the podium and asked the men to please pray for Dr. Pollard. He said, “Before his talk he received word that his house was on fire. He asked if anyone was home, and when he found out that his family was safe, said he would have to leave after he spoke.” To Dr. Pollard, the lost souls in that room were of far greater value than the earthly possessions that were incinerated that day.
When others are saying “look at me” let’s say “Look at Jesus.” That’s what Dr. Pollard did. That’s what John the Baptist did as well.
John the Baptist had a growing ministry. He was a prophet. He was successful and dynamic. It was time for the television ministry or a radio show. Surely the book deal was in the works and he would be on speaking circuit soon. But John had a different agenda.
“I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." (John 1:26-27, NIV)
This is John the Baptist, a cousin of Jesus. He was supernaturally born and filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth (Luke 1:15). This is the John that Jesus called the greatest human being ever to live (Matthew 11:11). John says: “You think I am something? HA! I’m not even fit to carry His Birkenstocks!” I am nothing. Jesus is everything!”
Forget about being known, seek to meet others needs. Forget about being famous, concentrate on being faithful. Don’t worry about being honored, just be humble and serve.
The Heart of a Disciple: Obedience.
It has been said that obedience is not the major work of a disciple, in reality, it is their only work.
Tom White, director of the Voice of the Martyrs said this: “I was in the Central highlands of Vietnam when someone remarked about how Christians suffer there. One Vietnamese Christian said ‘Suffering is not the worst thing that can happen to us. Disobedience to God is the worst thing.” (Jesus Freaks, p. 40)
I once had a student say to me, “I know what Jesus says to do. I just want to do my own thing right now.” Is that your heart’s cry today? Do you want to “do your own thing?” Scripture is clear that the choice between obedience and disobedience is actually a choice between life and death. God’s words to the Israelites of old still ring true today:
“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, NIV)
You can wear Christian clothes, listen to Christian music, and talk “Christianese” but are you willing to obey? Jesus ties our obedience directly to our love for Him.
“If you love me, you will obey what I command …Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (John 14: 15, 21, NIV)
It is a sad fact that many Christians lie, steal, and cheat just as much as non-Christians do. Christian couples divorce at nearly the same rate. Church members sue and fight and the tabloids have a field day when another one of our leaders fall.
Do you want to be known as a disciple of Jesus? Students, make a commitment to settle for a low grade rather than to cheat, to risk trouble rather than to lie. You will stand out! Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church, blow her mind every day, and you will stand out! Leaders, lead with integrity and faithfulness. You will stand out! Know who you work for. Know your role.
John the Baptist knew his role. Listen:
“Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize Him. John objected, ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized, not you!’ But Jesus insisted, ‘Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism. So John did it.” (Matthew 3:13-15, The Message)
John said “this doesn’t make sense to me so let’s do it my way.” Jesus, very gently, says, “No, we have to do it this way.” John consented.
Obedience brings great rewards, and huge surprises. Peter learned this lesson first hand. After fishing all night and catching nothing, Jesus told Peter to let down his nets. Peter was a professional fisherman but he trusted Jesus.
“When he [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” (Luke 5:4-11)
Did you catch that? “But, because you say so…” O Lord, let that be our prayer every morning. After the next ten statements, let’s say the words “I will.. or “I will not…” together.
* Because you say, “Flee from sexual immorality” (I Corinthians 6:18) ,I will…
* Because you say, “Do not let any unwholesome words come out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29), I will not…
* Because you say, “Do not lie, steal, or cheat” (Exodus 20:15, Leviticus 18:22, Ephesians 4:28, Colossians 3:9) , I will not…
* Because you say, “Honor your mother and your father”(Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2), I will…
* Because you say to concentrate on “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8), I will…
* Because you say to “love each other (John 15:12, John 15:17, I Thessalonians 4:9, I Peter 4:8), serve each other (Galatians 5:13), bear with one another( Colossians 3:13), encourage each other (I Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:21) ” I will…
* Because you say to “pray ” (Ephesians 6:18), I will…
Because you say “not to worry about our lives”( Luke 12:22), I will not…
Because you say to “offer our bodies as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1-2), I will…
Because you say to “go into all the world and make disciples”, (Matthew 28:19), I will…
[Bone’s shirt really says it all. When it comes to God’s commands, “Just do It!”]
The Tongue the Disciple: Confession.
Confession is a powerful pathway toward forgiveness and wholeness. Last week’s services provided an incredible example of what happens when we confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, and give God the opportunity to work through in our brokenness and pain.
This can be done privately. John wrote:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
And sometimes this must be done publicly:
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16, NIV)
Confession of our sins frees us from the bondage of unforgiveness.
Confession of our Savior flows out of the gratefulness we experience when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ. The mouth of a disciple can be used for cursing or confession, profanity or praise.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name.” (Hebrews 13:15, NIV)
A disciple’s tongue is a ready and able instrument of praise and adoration of our Savior-King.
This was David Robison’s last year in the NBA. It was a storybook ending. The Spurs won the NBA playoffs and as they were awarding the championship trophy David Stern, the commissioner of the league, asked the packed to capacity Alamo Dome if they wanted to hear from David. The crowd exploded into a thunderous ovation that lasted several minutes. David waved his hands to quiet the crowd. He then said, “Everyone in this place knows what I am about to say.” Raising the championship trophy high about his head, he shouted, “Praise the Lord!” The crowd erupted again into sustained applause.
He was right. Everyone, including those of us watching at home, knew he would give glory to God. Why? Because he has done it his entire career. Through scoring titles and back woes, David has been unapologetic in his love for Jesus Christ. A tongue of confession takes every opportunity to give praise and honor to the One who saved us from hell.
Are you as quick to give glory to Jesus? Do you easily give Jesus the credit? Are you eager to confess Him as your Lord and Savior?
Paul said confession is the passageway to salvation.
“That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:8-9)
The apostle Paul personally understood the power of confession and stated:
“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation first for the Jew then for the Gentile…” (Romans 1:16)
I recognize that some of you are shyer than others. Some of you would say, “I am scared to talk about Christ.” Don’t be ashamed. It does not really take a loud voice; Jesus will give you the courage. It takes a commitment to speak His name.
David asked God for help in this area:
“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. (Psalm 51:15)
I am not talking about standing on a street corner, preaching to the strangers passing by. Don’t shove it down people’s throats but do not miss opportunities.
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (I Peter 3:15-16).
Build relationships with lost people. Pray for opportunities to confess Christ to them. Then when God answers that prayer by opening a door of opportunity, tell them how Jesus changed your life. Tell His Story then tell your story. Speak the “name that is above every name…” and remember “that every knee will someday confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:11)
John the Baptist was the first to speak the name. Down through the centuries, people had prayed and waited on the Messiah. On a muddy bank of the Jordan River, John spun on his heels and excitedly yelled,
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." (John 1:29-34, NIV)
Every one of us is here today because someone used their tongue to tell the Gospel story.
The Knees of a Disciple: Surrender
At one of the children’s homes we worked at in North Carolina, chapels were done by an elderly, retired preacher. One thing I was impressed with was his way of praying. He would step out from behind the pulpit and fall to one knee in prayer. It was a physical picture of what God calls our hearts to do.
[Bones has his knee pads on – he is ready for action]
A disciple is one who bows the head and bends the knees. But what keeps us from surrendering fully to Him?
I went on a canoe trip with a group of students five years ago. We came to a bend in the river and everyone starting piling out of the canoes and clamoring toward the bank. Then I saw, way up in the tree, a rope swing. Way up! Several students climbed the branches and swung out over the river and plummeted into the water with a whoop. Then it was my turn. I do not like heights and a gently tested each branch. In my humility, I let one of the girls go ahead of me. She swung out, turned upside down and dove into the water below. Well, I wasn’t going to be outdone by a girl! As I swung out and as I reached the apex, I knew the moment of truth had come. I had to either let go or slam back into the tree. I had to surrender.
That is where many of you are today. You are clinging to your dreams, your will, and your life. But disciples see the rope a little differently:
Then he [Jesus] said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? (Luke 9:23-25)
You must let go of the rope and totally surrender everything to Him. I closed my eyes and let go of the rope. The ride down was frightening but an absolute rush! Just like the Christian life.
Jim Elliot, wrote in his journal, soon before he was martyred for his faith in Ecuador: “He is no fool who give up what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose.”
John the Baptist knew this well. Jesus’ disciples were starting to baptize more than John’s disciples. John’s disciples came to him and asked him if he was going to do anything about all this. His reply showed the condition of his knees:
“To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ’I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:27-30)
Is that your heart’s desire? That Jesus would increase, and that your own agenda, dreams, and wants would decrease?
F. B. Meyer wisely wrote: The only hope of a decreasing self is an increasing Christ.”
The whole idea of growing in Christ is becoming more and more like Him. As the character qualities increase, our own agendas and dreams will decrease. John’s life pointed to one thing, to one Person, Jesus Christ.
Jesus provides us the ultimate example:
• He humbled Himself
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8, NIV)
• He was obedient
“For just as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man [Jesus Christ] the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19, NIV)
• He confesses us before the Father
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven... (Matthew 10:32, NIV)
• He surrendered His life for you and for me
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:17, NIV)
The Mind of a Disciple: NUTS
One word of caution, if you seek to grow in these four areas of Christ-likeness, the most amazing thing will happen. You will be branded weird, strange, odd, bizarre, eccentric, outlandish, or worse. Be of good cheer, you are in great company.
John the Baptist wore “clothes made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.” (Matthew 3:4). He did not own the latest Temple apparel. He didn’t even preach at the Temple. He stood in the middle of a river and called the religious people names. He definitely was not thought of as normal.
When sharing Christ with a leader named Festus, Paul was actually accused of being insane:
“Paul, you’re crazy!” You’ve read too many books, spent too much time staring off into space. Get a grip on your self, get back in the real world.” (Acts 26:24, The Message).
Paul told the believers at Corinth:
“If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” (2 Corinthians 5:13, NIV).
[Bones is out of his mind and loves it!]
And our ultimate example, Jesus Christ, was thought mad by his own family.
“When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." (Mark 3:21, NIV)
Leonard Sweet in his latest book, “Jesus Drives Me Crazy” , says that we should not be surprised when the world thinks we are a little off-center.
“Disciples of Jesus are deviations from the norm. They mess up the world as it is, drawing outside the lines, thinking outside the box…Christians simple can not “do normal.” The number one problem in the church today is it’s numbing normality. (p. 16).
Les Nesman, a great character on the 1980’s sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati”, used to ask the question, “Funny peculiar or funny Ha Ha?” Christians are definitely “funny peculiar!”
• When we turn the other cheek, the world says we are crazy!
• When we serve expecting nothing in return, the world says we are mad!
• When we write our tithe check before our mortgage check, the world says “get the net!”
• When a teenager gives up her summer to serve the poor and hopeless, their peers say they “what a waste of time.”
• When an adult gives up their Sunday nights or Wednesday nights, to minister to junior high and high school students, the world starts preparing the padded room.
Mark Kleiman profoundly stated: “Those who dance appear insane to those who can not hear the music.”
In a Jerry Springer world, Christians are thought to be NUTS. Leonard Sweet says that NUTS stands for “Never Underestimate the Spirit.”
Aristides, a non-Christian, defended the Christians before Emperor Hadrian by saying: “They love one another, and from widows they do not turn away their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him harshly…and verily, this is a new people, and there is something divine in the midst of them.”
Let that be said of Pontiac Bible Church! Let’s make a pact together, if anyone is going to call us weird, abnormal, strange, mad, crazy, or NUTS, let’s make sure it is because we are living our outlandish faith in Jesus Christ out loud for the world to take notice!
Conclusion
Let’s close with two action steps.
(1) Seek to “be” a disciple of Christ. Many people get confused about what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus. Being a disciple of Jesus primarily is about growing into the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. We are human beings, not human doings. All of our service and sacrifice flows out of our love and communion with Jesus. As He shapes our character, he will provide for our service. Often times I tell students who are worried they are not “doing” enough for God to slow down and just spend time falling in love with Jesus. That’s not a bad action step for us adults either, is it?
(2) Make disciples. The disciple making process is not about addition but multiplication. It has been said everyone should have a Paul and a Timothy. Said another way, ask God to provide you with an person older in the faith that you respect and trust and then ask him or her to mentor you. Then, as you are growing, search out a younger person in their faith that you can pour your life into. You may ask, how do a find those young people to build up?
• Join the “Cross Roads” or “Cross Training” teams! Student IMPACT is passionately committed to making “ever-developing and fully committed disciples of Jesus Christ.” There are literally a hundred or more students that are part of our ministry that need mentors and examples. Don’t be afraid. [Bones looks like he could work in Student IMPACT]
• Join a small group. Spiritual growth does not happen in a vacuum. Growing in Christ happens best in a community. You were created to be in community. In a small group, you can be encouraged and be an encouragement. Matt Dewald would love to plug you into to one of our fourteen small groups spread throughout Livingstone County.
• Do daily check-ups.
How’s your head? More pride than humility? Serve others.
How’s your heart? Do you want to do things your own way? Obey Christ.
How’s your tongue? Steven Curtis Chapman wrote: “Wake the neighbors/get the word out/crank up the music/climb a mountain and shout/this is life we’ve been given/there can be no doubt/So live out loud!”
How’s your knees? Whose agenda are you pushing? Yours or God’s?
Surrender to Christ. Let go of the rope.
Bones is really not a good example of a disciple. He doesn’t have a heart, a tongue, knees, or a mind. Bones is not alive. In order to a disciple of Jesus, you must first be a follower of Jesus. I want to give you that opportunity to let go of the rope and surrender your heart to Jesus. Listen to how Paul put it:
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved…” (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV)
All it takes to become a Christian is to admit you’re a sinner (Romans 3:23), and that your sin has separated you from God (Isaiah 59:2). Then accept the fact that Jesus died on the cross, in your place, for your sins so you could have a relationship with God again (Romans 5:17). Confess with your mouth that “Jesus is Lord” and you will be saved. (Romans 10:8-9) “Sinner – Savior- Surrender.” It is that simple.
Others may already be followers of Jesus but you feel about as dry as Bones.
Listen to Ezekiel’s prophesy to a valley of dry bones:
God, the Master, told the dry bones. “Watch this. I’m bringing the breath of life to you and you’ll come to life. I’ll attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin, and breathe life into you. You’ll come alive and you’ll realize I am God!” (Ezekiel 37:5-6, The Message).
Ask God to breathe life into you again and “restore the joy of your salvation.” (Psalm 51:2)
Stand for closing prayer.
