Are We Ready for a Comeback?!

Ezekiel 37: 7-14, NRSV

7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath:[c] Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath,[d] and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.

11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.”

1. Ezekiel prophesies what he is told by GOD, and as a result of obedience hears the sound of life in a dead and bone-filled valley - then sees evidence of GOD’s plan at work.  Ezekiel obeys, speaks, hears, and then sees!  

2. Ezekiel does “not see life” in what is lifeless until what is slain receives GOD’s breath - Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath,[d] and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.”
   

• Gives life
• Sustains life
• Renews life
  

3. Bones can become a multitude - a grounded, rooted, and restored community - the valley of dry bones is real, but it does not have to be the conclusion!