Breath in the Dry Bones



"This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: ‘I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.’" (Ezekiel 37:5)

Ezekiel, who was taken to Babylon during the first deportation in the 6th century B.C., prophesied through visions and revelations, speaking of God’s judgment alongside the hope of restoration. He proclaimed the sins of the Israelites, who had lived as God's chosen people but were now living as captives in a foreign land. Yet, at the same time, he prophesied that God would breathe life into them—even though they were like "dry bones"—and they would live again. Just as God breathed His life into man when He created him from the dust at the beginning of creation, He promised to breathe His spirit into them once more.

"Dry bones" represent creatures that were once alive but have reached the end of their lives, rotted away, and disappeared. Through this vision, the Lord declares once again that He is the One who brings something out of nothing and calls forth life out of death. As these dry bones received breath, they stood up as a vast army; ultimately, God restored and revived the people of Israel.

Living as captives in Babylon, the people faced many existential questions. Although they did not receive immediate answers to every "why," the prophecies and visions given through Ezekiel provided direction for their search and filled them with hope.

God reveals His nature of justice and love, yet He does not always provide a detailed "answer key" as we humbly pursue holiness. Because of this, there are moments when we feel lost, not knowing exactly how to apply God’s Word to the complexities of our lives. However, even when we do not know the full answer, God provides the direction and the hope necessary to stay on the path. This allows us to continue walking this journey of pilgrimage.

Lord, I pray with hope that the dry bones of my life, my church, my nation, and this world will come to life again when they receive Your divine breath. 

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